PDR, Ravenna

Design Competition for the New Event Venue of the Ravenna Port Authority. The project is based on the concept of an elevated building that engages in a dialogue with water, wind, and the horizon, evoking the tripartite form of a ship. The architecture interprets this image through three main components: a solid base in direct contact with the sea, an open plaza above it, and a lightweight auditorium suspended in the sky, reminiscent of a ship’s deck and sail.

The building’s base is defined by its solidity and material presence, housing public spaces and restaurants. Its structural framework consists of a steel frame with beams and columns arranged in a regular grid, providing both stability and functional flexibility.

Above the ground floor, an open plaza unfolds as a flexible space for events, gatherings, and waterfront activities. This elevated public area serves as a connective element between the base and the suspended auditorium, offering generous panoramic views and a vibrant social setting.

At the heart of the building lies the structural core, comprising the stairwell and elevator shaft, which acts as the primary seismic-resistant element. This rigid, braced core concentrates horizontal forces, ensuring the overall stability of the building. The suspended auditorium functions as an “inverted pendulum,” while the central core absorbs and dissipates seismic forces.

The building’s most distinctive feature is the suspended auditorium, constructed with a lightweight trussed structure and roof cables that evoke the sail of a ship. The auditorium platform rests on six central pillars and extends cantilevered beyond them. Stability is ensured through the trussed beams and tensioned roof cables, anchored to the main beams, which distribute forces and maintain the equilibrium of the suspended platform.