Historic Riccione Brickworks Transformed into Regional Museum Through Urban Renewal Project

The former Fornace Piva industrial complex in Riccione, Italy, is undergoing a significant transformation into the city's new Museo del Territorio. This urban regeneration project, designed by Politecnica Building for Humans, will convert the early 20th-century brick manufacturing facility into a cultural institution scheduled to open in February 2027. The site originally began operations in 1908 under Milanese entrepreneur Carlo Andrea Piva, featuring innovative Hoffmann kiln technology that enabled continuous production. The factory served as a major industrial hub for decades, ceasing operations in the 1970s and leaving behind important industrial archaeology. The municipal government of Riccione awarded the restoration contract through public tender, focusing on both preserving existing structures and creating new museum architecture within the historical perimeter. The intervention covers approximately 2,500 square meters, with the museum building itself spanning two levels across 1,500 square meters. Key design elements include restoration of perimeter walls that maintain visible historical traces, a contemporary interior structure contrasting with original materials, and a stylized steel reconstruction of the original chimney that collapsed over time. The ground floor will feature a double-height lobby with reception, café, bookstore, educational workshops, visible museum storage, and conference facilities, while the upper level will house flexible exhibition spaces connected by a distinctive illuminated staircase. The project connects to broader urban renewal efforts including public green spaces and pedestrian pathways, establishing dialogue between industrial heritage and contemporary architecture while preserving Riccione's manufacturing history.