Urban Project of the Seaside Foro Italico

The project has as objective to give back "the sea" to the citizens of Palermo, proposing the comeback of the ancient walk, and its sight which has been denied to the city for many years.

For multiple reasons this space was used improper, then has been decided to free it: an immense area became visible, clear and simple, ready to be used and to be consumed, instrument to see the sea.
Starting to use means also starting to protect and suggest possible functions for this space that is shaped as it is the first space of the new century in Palermo. A space so simple and fascinating that we have decided to define the "green sea".
A space for free time, for children playing, for sport or simply for reading a book laying comfortably down while feeling the sea in front of you.
A circular bicycle route follows the perimeter of the park; realized in green concrete, with designs in white resin; along the street axis the route is placed next to the sidewalk in concrete in which are embeds black light lamps that in the night enlighten the dissuasives. The route allows you, besides circulating the field, a bicycle trip to the Cala di S.Eramo in one direction and to the “Cala” in the other.
Also the street to the sea is in green concrete, in axis with the Door of Greeks, that, in this way does not create interruptions in the continuity of the grass field. In the middle of the axis embedded black light lamps mark the path.
The bollards are placed along the street side. They protect but do not create closures. They inhibit the entrance of motorbikes and bicycles, but they invite the pedestrians to enter in the park from whichever point of the road. They are glazed terra cotta with a core of concrete, unbreakable to whatever shock, but at the same time they recover ancient materials that are part of the tradition.
They are inspired by the profile of the bust of Eleonora d Aragon, sculped by Laurana, and by other female figures of the Gaggini school, presented in the Abatellis Museum, and by using the oldest "giocattolo" of the “reiterazione” of the figure, these new shapes are born.
Also the high poles along the central walkway are realized in ceramics. The two totems at the entrance are realized with a special finishing in gold.

Near the immense area, always in green concrete, along the road, is drawn the shape of the ancient dock. The bollards are removable to give the access to the traditional small carts of the salesmen of the antique- and bookmarket.
Always in ceramic finishing are benches of the park, with a blue pillow, area of pause and contemplation with "sofas" placed "as rooms", with carpet in red concrete in the center, that will be decorated by young local artists.
Concerning the lighting system, in phase of completion, there have been placed eight big spheres with a diameter of 160 cm, filled with air. Supported by a steel cable, they created a moonlight effect.

Area of the park: 4 Hectare
Present bicycle route: 1,5 Km
1.400 ceramic bollards
18 high poles in ceramics
2 high poles in ceramics with a finishing of gold
62 benches with ceramic finishing
Sport Area – Beach volley: 2.000 sqm
Dog area: 1.500 sqm
Area at the seaside with benches: 3.500 msq