Bergamo's Centro Piacentiniano Renovation Begins
In 2017, the Municipality of Bergamo launched a competition to redevelop the Centro Piacentiniano, an area originally designed by architect Marcello Piacentini and engineer Giuseppe Quaroni in the early 20th century. The winning proposal, by the Flânerie group led by architect Gianluca Gelmini of studio CN10, focuses on respecting historical memory and using existing materials like decorative concrete, burnished steel, and granite. The project involves Piazza Dante, Piazza Cavour, and the Sentierone, and includes transforming the underground Albergo Diurno into a cultural and entertainment hub. Gelmini cites inspiration from Piacentini's original design and contemporary Nordic and Spanish urban regeneration projects. The first two lots—Piazza Dante (construction starting January 2020) and Piazza Cavour—are being developed with the support of Mayor Giorgio Gori and Assessor Francesco Valesini.
Key facts
- The original Centro Piacentiniano was built after a 1907 competition won by Marcello Piacentini and Giuseppe Quaroni.
- A new competition for redevelopment was announced in 2017 by the Municipality of Bergamo.
- The winning proposal was by the Flânerie group, including architect Gianluca Gelmini (CN10), Mariola Peretti, Carlo Peretti, Luigino Pirola, Simone Zenoni, and Elena Franchioni.
- The project covers Piazza Dante, Piazza Cavour, and the Sentierone.
- The Albergo Diurno underground space will be converted into a center for activities and entertainment.
- Construction on Piazza Dante is set to begin in January 2020.
- The design uses existing materials and aims for continuity with the historic fabric.
- Gelmini cited inspiration from Piacentini's work and projects in Denmark and Spain.
Entities
Artists
- Marcello Piacentini
- Giuseppe Quaroni
- Gianluca Gelmini
- Mariola Peretti
- Carlo Peretti
- Luigino Pirola
- Simone Zenoni
- Elena Franchioni
- Giovanni Muzio
- Sandro Angelini
- Gaetano Donizetti
- Francesco Valesini
- Giorgio Gori
Institutions
- Municipality of Bergamo
- CN10
- Flânerie group
- Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio
Locations
- Bergamo
- Italy
- Sotto il Monte
- Piazza Dante
- Piazza Cavour
- Sentierone
- Albergo Diurno
- Città Alta
- Denmark
- Spain