Refunctionalization project of the Hub_Space in Palazzo Dogana (headquarters of the Province of Foggia) - Italy
2019
Starting from 2010, the Puglia Region initiated the creation of local Integrated Systems to guarantee a unified, qualified, and sustainable enjoyment of the regional environmental and cultural heritage. This was achieved through a program of interventions, events, and cultural proposals, networking several participating municipalities with specific projects.
The SAC Apulia Fluminum project (funded by POC Puglia 2007-2013 - Action and Cohesion Plan - line 4.2.2 - SAC “Environmental and Cultural Systems”) stems from a broad vision to enhance a vast area of the Foggia province. It brings to light its historical depth and close connection with the rivers that cross it (Ofanto, Carapelle, Cervaro), which have shaped its settlement and evolution.
It offers a journey through history and the environment—a tale narrated by the landscapes themselves and experienced along riverbanks and sheep tracks (tratturi), reviving slow mobility. The SAC territory offers a cultural heritage (archaeological, architectural, historical-artistic, food and wine, and landscape) that, in its typological and chronological variety, allows visitors to retrace the entire ancient history of riverine Apulia and Daunia, from the Neolithic period through the Middle Ages, right up to the present day. The history of the rivers intertwines with that of the sheep tracks, ancient Roman roads, and the Via Francigena.
The HUB_Space is a concept designed to represent the identity of SAC Apulia Fluminum, outline its aims, objectives, and activities, and simultaneously promote the resources of each individual local area. It serves as both a physical and virtual interface where all information converges—a place where the tangible and intangible merge to create an effective communication tool.
Located inside the 18th-century Palazzo Dogana, the historic seat of the Province of Foggia, it consists of three rooms:
- The Foyer: The access point to the HUB, where information regarding the Environmental and Cultural Systems (SAC) is shared. Here, visitors are engaged by communication tools, including an interactive interface that draws from a central database to provide real-time updates on all activities.
- The HUB Space: A unique, multifunctional environment where visitors can access general and specific information about the SAC Apulia Fluminum territory regarding Environmental and Cultural Systems. It gathers general information on individual cities and their surrounding areas, each represented by an icon and a brief contextual description. Visitors can freely browse any content available in the database aimed at regional promotion and dissemination, simply by using a QR Code and a smartphone or tablet.
- The Archive-Storage Room: A facility serving the HUB Space.
The space was designed with the intention of creating a highly sensory environment—a sort of museum where visitors can observe, gather information, and access in-depth insights into the heritage and territories of SAC Apulia Fluminum.
The two main rooms, characterized by colors, lights, and sounds, welcome visitors, immersing them in a physical and virtual experience. Blacked out from natural light, they feature blue artificial lighting that radiates across the walls and vaulted ceilings, helping to focus the visitor's attention on the media displays.
Every piece of furniture, designed with minimalist shapes, serves purely to support communication. Furthermore, the HUB Space and the archive are also intended for use by the workshop activities of the provincial Library and Museum Hub (Polo Biblio-museale). The flexible furniture, being both removable and modular, ensures the space can be easily adapted for collective training and workshop activities.
CLIENT: Province of Foggia (FG) - ITALY
DESIGN: arch. Vincenzo Russo
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Sinkronia, Foggia (FG) - Italy
WEB DESIGN: Asernet, Foggia (FG) - Italy
COMPANY: Bawer S.p.a. - Matera (MT) - Tancredi Resturi S.r.l. - ITALY
LOCATION: Foggia (FG) - ITALY
YEAR: 2019
