Competition, proposal for museumizing the Roman ruin in Curinga, Italy
I. The Turkish Bath (Le Bain turc) Painting by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres
II. III. IV. V. drawings and visualizations by Betül Peker and Jakub Dračka, 2024
The thermal baths of Acconia di Curinga is a harmonious blend of preservation, innovation, and sensory experience. The structure’s form, when viewed from above, is a testament to the rational grid inspired by the surrounding tree orchards. This grid, mirroring the hypocaust heating system, has been ingeniously translated into a new orchard of red-brown concrete columns, each proportioned differently to mimic the diversity of trees. The ruins themselves are encapsulated beneath an offset roof that not only casts shadows but also echoes the original structure’s shape. A wall, following the roof’s outline, gracefully crawls on the ground, reinforcing the historical silhouette. Roman-inspired windows perforate the roof strategically, allowing natural light to illuminate the interiors. These windows are not mere openings, they serve as architectural elements, transforming each space according to its historical function.
The immersive journey through the structure is facilitated by a path crafted from prefabricated steel, providing a lightweight contrast to the robust brick walls. Positioned close to the walls, it encourages visitors to engage their senses by touching and smelling the ancient materials. The scent of flowers and herbs planted within the small rooms and the garden further enriches the sensory experience. Orange and lemon trees, along with fragrant herbs like rosemary, creates an olfactory landscape. Thermae becomes a sensorial orchestra, playing with the
elements of sound, light, darkness, silence, warmth, cold, and water. The frigidarium, filled with water and
featuring a large window, exudes a cold and open ambiance. The gymnasium, with its open roof perforation, invites contemplation under the sky. In contrast, calidaria and tepidaria are intimate, dark spaces where small chimney-like windows distribute a subdued light. Aediculas, designed as a contemporary art gallery, adding a modern touch to the
historical site. For those who prefer an external perspective, a strategically placed bench offers a shaded
vantage point. The architectural design transcends mere visual aesthetics, aiming to engage visitors on a
multisensory level, fostering a profound connection between the past and the present.
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