ELENA CARLINI AND PIETRO VALLE

HOUSING -  BOLOGNA, ITALY - 1992-97

 
1- Two-story row-patio units                                                                          2- Four-story terminal block  

 (in collaboration with Sarti Engineering)
A low-density housing complex for a construction-coop located on a narrow
suburban lot along a freeway. It is composed of two hybrid housing types: a
line of duplex units with "L" and "T" shaped plans that bring together the
patio with the row housing type and a four-storey block with various kinds
of units served both by common stairs and balconies. The buildings are
treated with the utmost abstraction: from the outside one sees series of
white geometric stucco volumes that seems to float on the ground and are
perceived only by the play of light and shadow. Once approaching the units,
one discovers multiple semi-public and private outdoor areas such as the
entry gardens in the two-storey units, the patios, a portico in the
four-storey block and a variety of balconies and loggias. These areas
mediate between the houses and the surrounding city and provide an
organised entry path.

3- Two-storey row-patio units