Assignment

In the spring semester 2022 at ETH Zurich in Angela Deuber's studio, projects were designed on the subject of grafting. Initially, based on a specially chosen term and an inspirational image, matching rooms were developed that were to express the corresponding atmosphere. In the spirit of crafting, the designed spatial concept was implemented in an existing building.

Concept

Narrowness can appear in many different ways: it can protect, act as a retreat from vastness or form as a gap, a passageway.

In the Palazzo Tondue, the narrowness can be understood as an intermediate space formed by the three bodies. At the same time, there are unexpected routes through the buildings that defy the principle of the gap and lead from one space to another. The inner courtyard clearly differs from the street space in terms of spatial perception. Does one find oneself inside or outside? The fascination of the building is created by this variety of different spaces that cannot always be clearly categorized. Together they form a maze-like spatial flow, where you move from one room to the next, have to reorient yourself and finally find your way forward.

The Palazzo Tondue is a building that was constructed in the 17th century in Lionza in the Centovalli. The small mountain village is easily accessible from Locarno. The impressive facade can be seen from the village square in front of the church. The existing building already contains many of the sought-after qualities that can be strengthened and supplemented with minor interventions. Three bodies together form a structure that has grown together at various points: in the middle, where a covered staircase is inserted between the bodies, and at the entrances, where a wall with a gate separates the inner courtyards from the street. This makes the complex perceivable as a whole and distinguishes itself significantly from the surrounding alleyways. Nevertheless, the narrow space in between is shaped by the buildings.

The conversion incorporates two apartments for the operators of the complex, as well as two double rooms for the accommodation of musicians and music students together with shared spaces. There are also several music rooms for teaching and practicing, a spacious concert hall with a foyer, a small recording studio and a reception area with an office. Although each part of the building is recognizable as a unit from the outside, it is easy to lose your orientation as you move from one to the other. The existing and new openings provide orientation and repeatedly create visual references to the two inner courtyards.

The spatial and structural qualities of the project are formed by the various impressions of the space, which can be experienced in a sequence: In a maze-like system of paths, you move from one room to the next, into a narrow passageway and then suddenly find yourself back in the concert hall. Constant turning to move on makes orientation even more difficult. By looking into the inner courtyards and outwards, you can determine your own position. In this way, simple means are used to convey a varied spatial flow that widens and narrows again.