Arenella

Arenella

The post-industrial area Ex-Chimica in the district of Arenella is a microcosm of Palermo’s social and economic history of the last century. Founded by German immigrants to produce citric acid from lemon trees abundantly cultivated in the Conca d’Oro region, the factory grew into one of the biggest chemical plants in Europe by the middle of the 20th century. By the 1960’s, the fortunes of the factory declined rapidly until it was abandoned in 1965. During the term of major Leoluca Orlando the city of Palermo bought the Ex-Chimica, however plans for long-term use of the site never saw fruition and today, it stands among the many ruins of contemporary Palermo: part of the city but unused except for non-human residents who find their niches within the historic substance and occasional local inhabitation.

Some believe it is a lost cause, its resurrection a romantic dream that should be left to the wrecking ball. Others such as Studio Rizoma, a transnational cultural hub, and community groups see incredible human, ecological, and architectural potential lying dormant in this unique situation between Monte Pellegrino and the Tyrrhenian sea.

We will produce a new kind of Atlas anchored in the social, architectural and natural reality of Palermo. The Atlas will draw knowledge from the material of the site and local partners, including youth associations and shipbuilders, to imagine a first step into the future for Arenella and Palermo which mirrors an official call for visions for the site. The beauty and potential for renewal of Arenella hides many complex questions. The specific architectonic difficulty of saving the site for public good is matched by wider challenges of a traumatic past, contemporary migration and tourism which is transforming the city from far beyond its shores. However, if migration is the most pressing crisis of the Mediterranean today, it has also been the making of Palermo exquisitely layered history.

What is the alternative to the comprehensive hand of international tourism and capital? How could the Ex-Chimica become a place for the entire city to grow its future incorporating the existing material, life and users?

The studio will involve a trip to Palermo for extensive site investigation which will be integrated with the Seminar Week. The budget for the design studio and integrated Seminar week is expected to be max. 750CHF (Costs Category C). Students which are fluent in Italian are welcome.

After the semester, we will offer an optional summer school in collaboration with students from Palermo to present the work of the studio in an exhibition.

We will start the semester with a primer in the garden to create a room for composting where the site can finally celebrate the circularity of its own growth and decay.