Nature inspired tourist centre

The project proposes the revitalization and expansion of the historic Customs House in the Punta Bianca Nature Reserve, located on the southern coast of Sicily, near Agrigento. Developed in response to the TerraViva international competition, the design transforms the ruins of the 19th-century building into a multifunctional tourist center. It merges historical preservation with contemporary architecture, inspired by the reserve's flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.

The concept stems from a deep respect for the original stone structure of the Customs House. Its limestone and tuff walls, along with their weathered beauty, remain largely intact. Only minimal openings were introduced to enable a more functional and ergonomic interior. New structures were carefully added to preserve the existing character and landscape. The project is organized around a clear functional layout, spread across the ground and first floors.

The ground floor of the original building hosts the main gastronomic area, with a corten steel bar counter and chairs. A distinctive wall installation made from corten steel becomes a central visual motif, echoing the flowing forms of the Punta Bianca cliffs. Corten-framed windows project outward like telescopes, framing the landscape in a scenographic way. These details highlight the interaction between interior and nature.

On the exterior terrace, a pergola made from welded, powder-coated steel elements provides shade and rhythmically references the geometry of surrounding vegetation. This space allows visitors to enjoy the landscape while connecting physically and visually with the coastal environment. A new staircase, also made from corten, leads visitors to the upper level.

The first floor serves as a creative and educational space. It contains a artistic workshop area with a large central table, custom-designed yellow shelving units, and vertical installations with integrated lighting. The color palette of the interior, combining brown corten, yellow shelving, and blue stair balustrades, is inspired by the vivid plumage of the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster), a bird native to the area.

The most distinctive architectural element is the newly designed organic form attached to the historical building. Inspired by the shape of the Datura wrightii flower, which grows in the region, the structure is made of steel ribs that form an airy, petal-like shape. The ribs are powder-coated white to blend visually with the chalky cliffs of Punta Bianca. Their varying widths protect specific interior functions such as the reception desk, souvenir shop, and educational exhibits. No flooring is added; instead, the form is directly placed on steel legs anchored into the cliffs with concrete blocks, minimizing environmental impact.

This organic pavilion is the new entrance to the tourist center. Visitors enter through it and are welcomed by a reception and information point. Moving through the structure, they encounter educational posters and hand-drawn animal illustrations created by the author, highlighting the local biodiversity. At the end of the organic form, a souvenir shop offers locally made crafts, reinforcing a cultural and economic connection to the community.

Material selection plays a crucial role in reinforcing the narrative of the project. Locally sourced limestone and tuff, traditional coppo roof tiles, corten steel, powder-coated steel, and exposed concrete are selected not only for their aesthetics but also for durability and climatic compatibility. The corten steel, with its protective patina, symbolizes natural aging and erosion, harmonizing with the rugged coastline and narrating the story of time.

The roofing system combines two types: a traditional gable roof over the utility and restroom areas, built with a timber structure and finished with ceramic tiles, and a modern lamella roof above the gastronomy area. The latter is operable, allowing natural light and ventilation to enter the space or to provide shelter during occasional rainfall. Its white slats cast shadows that echo the ribbed geometry of the organic pavilion.

The project aligns with the cultural lifestyle of Sicily, where communal meals, time spent outdoors, and respect for craftsmanship are central values. The building not only provides rest and refreshment for hikers but also creates opportunities for cultural exchange, environmental education, and artistic expression. The design fosters a dialogue between tradition and innovation, history and nature.

Ultimately, the revitalized Customs House in Punta Bianca is envisioned not only as a shelter or viewpoint but as an immersive, sensory, and symbolic space that celebrates the island’s landscape, wildlife, and culture. It reflects the potential of architecture to adapt historic forms to contemporary needs while enhancing and protecting the environment that surrounds them.