Restoration of Le Rampe Historic Landscape

FLORENCE | ITALY

Review of overall detailed design, detailed design of hydraulic, MEP and structural works, monitoring of construction supervision activities, assessment of actual cost of works performed, on-site safety coordination.

‘Le Rampe’ is an iconic Florentine landmark designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi around 1860 consisting of a crooked path and a scenic fountain system and annexed grottoes that links the city center with Piazzale Michelangelo, a wide terrace on the southern hills, from where visitors enjoy a breath-taking view of the city. Over a century of neglect and lack of maintenance had resulted in the total breakdown of the hydraulic system, uncontrolled vegetation growth and a general decay of the grottoes’ interior decorations and artificial concretions originally crafted in a neo-mannerist style. The restoration works focused on three main aspects: the complete renovation of the hydraulic system feeding the fountains including drilling of a groundwater well, the conservation of the architectural and decorative elements, and landscaping works. During the rehabilitation traditional materials were used such as polychrome mosaic decorations on the side walls of the amphitheater and the artificial sea “sponges” inside the grottoes. The completed hydraulic works provide for the water to flow by gravity from the top basin of the fountain system down through the grottoes and be pumped back to the top, through a closed-circuit water circulation system.

From-To
2018 – 2019

Client
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze