Astronomical Center, Radicofani, Siena, Italy (3th year)

Description	An extension program and creation of an scientific-educational campus around an existing astronomical observatory located in Radicofani, province of Siena, Toscany, Italy. The site , has an excellent environmental characteristics (absence of light pollution, altimetry, morphology, meteorology ecc...) for the installation and operation of a vanguard technology complex of that kind. The location is isolated and far from any urban light source. It is a natural point of observation and a good base for the creation of scientific , studying, researching and teaching environment. Situated and surrounded by a 3600 of breathless view of the peaceful green typical and delightful natural Tuscan view. The project includes: On the first floor 1- Students residence 2+3- Common spaces and laundry room 4- Researchers residence On the ground floor 5- Conference room 6- Classrooms 7- Laboratories 8- Dining room 9- Toilets 10- Planetarium 11- Reunion room 12- Offices 13- Reception 14- An expositional space (museum) Development and choosing the round shape were inspired by the planetary system and its components, as well as influenced by the shape of the natural landscape. With the approach of not destroying the nature I tried to create a building that speaks the same language of the surrounded nature and integrated in it in the most simple and natural way. The complex surrounds the existing astronomical observatory and makes it the protagonist of the project. The visitors and researchers rooms are located along the perimeter of the building, with a view toward the beautiful hills of Tuscany, or in alternative in the inner perimeter, faced to the central "piazza" where the observatory is located. Every room has a sort of a inner veranda, with a completely glass wall in order to allow the visitors and residents to enjoy the view, and from the other hand have there privacy which the two inner walls that makes a filter between the room and the veranda allows. On the ground floor the hall is centralized with the presence of the reception in the center. The exposition hall has a double-height space which arrives to the upper floor. Every different ambient in the ground floor has a sort of a filter at the entrance. The major complex materials are a local stone and glass, to create the contrast between transparency and the rigid connection to the nature.

Description

An extension program and creation of an scientific-educational campus around an existing astronomical observatory located in Radicofani, province of Siena, Toscany, Italy. The site , has an excellent environmental characteristics (absence of light pollution, altimetry, morphology, meteorology ecc...) for the installation and operation of a vanguard technology complex of that kind. The location is isolated and far from any urban light source. It is a natural point of observation and a good base for the creation of scientific , studying, researching and teaching environment. Situated and surrounded by a 3600 of breathless view of the peaceful green typical and delightful natural Tuscan view.

The project includes: On the first floor 1- Students residence 2+3- Common spaces and laundry room 4- Researchers residence On the ground floor 5- Conference room 6- Classrooms 7- Laboratories 8- Dining room 9- Toilets 10- Planetarium 11- Reunion room 12- Offices 13- Reception 14- An expositional space (museum)

Development and choosing the round shape were inspired by the planetary system and its components, as well as influenced by the shape of the natural landscape. With the approach of not destroying the nature I tried to create a building that speaks the same language of the surrounded nature and integrated in it in the most simple and natural way.

The complex surrounds the existing astronomical observatory and makes it the protagonist of the project. The visitors and researchers rooms are located along the perimeter of the building, with a view toward the beautiful hills of Tuscany, or in alternative in the inner perimeter, faced to the central "piazza" where the observatory is located. Every room has a sort of a inner veranda, with a completely glass wall in order to allow the visitors and residents to enjoy the view, and from the other hand have there privacy which the two inner walls that makes a filter between the room and the veranda allows.

On the ground floor the hall is centralized with the presence of the reception in the center. The exposition hall has a double-height space which arrives to the upper floor. Every different ambient in the ground floor has a sort of a filter at the entrance. The major complex materials are a local stone and glass, to create the contrast between transparency and the rigid connection to the nature.