Public Space Art

In September 2024, a new public square was inaugurated in Castelnuovo Rangone as part of the municipality’s ongoing urban regeneration plan, which aims to create open-air art galleries in the form of murals and dedicated urban art spaces. The new square, dedicated to journalist and writer Edmondo Berselli, serves as a connection between the historic centre and the Rio Gamberi school and park complex.

The demolition of the former Cinema Verdi had left a void in the dense urban fabric of the town centre. The new square was designed to fill this gap with a vibrant cultural hub, a central gathering space for the community ideal for hosting events, film screenings and public initiatives, or simply providing a shaded spot for relaxation on hot summer days. The project, conceived by SG Studio, was based on a deep understanding of the site’s history, the role of the previous building and its cinematographic connections, and the new identity the space was to embrace. As the architects explain: “A key element of the project was the concept of multiscalarity – the study and development of the design concept across different scales, all interconnected and rooted in the tangible reality of the site. This approach allowed us to envision a long-term evolution, ensuring the project remains adaptable to future uses and contextual changes while preserving a strong identity.”

The square was conceived as a large raised platform above the adjacent alleyway, accessible via a ramp extending from the walkway that leads from the Piazza Brodolini car park, as well as a stairway composed of alternating large and small steps that encourage visitors to ascend. The stairway structure also incorporates three flowerbeds with bushes, trees and seating that mark the boundary of the square’s large central platform, a space designed to host activities such as conferences, markets, recreational events and outdoor film screenings.

“From a compositional perspective, we opted for a regular geometric form for the platform to create a defined, ordered space, while giving the stairway a more dynamic, fluid design. The ramp extending from the existing walkway was envisioned as an exhibition gallery, with walls designed to display photographs, prints and artworks by local artists while guiding visitors towards the heart of the space.”

The paving design pays homage to the square’s cinematographic past with a pattern reminiscent of filmstrips. “We wanted to select a material that would blend naturally with its surroundings in terms of its texture and its warm, inviting tones, thereby reinforcing the sensation of an open-air living room,” the architects explain. To achieve this, they chose COEM’s Loire stone-effect porcelain stoneware collection. The use of two contrasting colours (Avorio and Taupe) helps delineate the different areas of the space, with the lighter shade defining the main platform and the darker shade highlighting the steps and flowerbeds, further enhancing the filmstrip motif. Inspired by the prestigious materials of French architectural heritage, the Loire collection was supplied in a 2-cm-thick outdoor version and a large 60×90 cm size. The same tiles were also used for the steps and some of the seats, ensuring visual and material continuity throughout the space.