- Location: Syracuse - Italy
- Year: 2016
- Client: YAC
- Designer: Muftah Abudajaja and Mersiha Karić
- Site Area: 74,410 m2
- Built-up area: 3,000 m2
- Use: Hotel
- Phase: Design
The Floating Platform: An Architectural Marvel in Syracuse, Italy
Project Overview
The Floating Platform project, submitted by Muftah Abudajaja and Mersiha Karić, was designed for the "Lighthouse Sea Hotel" competition organized by YAC (Young Architects Competitions). This competition aimed to transform abandoned lighthouses into extraordinary tourist and accommodation facilities while preserving their historical and environmental significance.
Design Concept
The Floating Platform seamlessly integrates nature with the old lighthouse and the new facility, creating a harmonious architectural ensemble. The primary design principle revolves around creating a structure that floats effortlessly over the unique rocky landscape of Syracuse. The objective is to serve both nature and users, enhancing the site's atmosphere without compromising its natural beauty.
Key Design Principles:
Nature/Ecology:
The project emphasizes the importance of water as a visual and functional element. The design incorporates water to maintain the appearance of the environment and highlight its significance to the island’s existence.
Site Preservation:
A minimalist yet monumental structure is proposed, hovering on steel columns to avoid disturbing the natural site. The design is modular, prefabricated, and transformable, ensuring sustainability and minimal impact on the environment.
Sustainability:
The use of recycled and reusable materials is a cornerstone of the project. Prefabrication off-site using steel ensures that over 95% of the construction water can be recycled, and the structure can be easily dismantled and reassembled.
Functionality:
The primary function of the structure is a viewpoint platform offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscape. Beneath the platform, various services are available for visitors, including random passengers, site explorers, and hotel guests.
Historical Link:
The design draws inspiration from Syracuse's historical significance and the Floating Principle discovered by Archimedes. The platform serves as a modern interpretation of this principle, blending seamlessly with the lighthouse’s heritage and the natural landscape.
Architectural Significance
The project not only aims to provide luxurious accommodation but also emphasizes cultural and environmental sustainability. The Floating Platform enhances the existing landscape, adding a new dimension to the historical and natural beauty of Syracuse. By incorporating eco-friendly materials and innovative design techniques, the project stands as a testament to modern architectural practices that respect and preserve their surroundings.
The Floating Platform project is an exemplary blend of innovative design, historical preservation, and environmental sustainability. By transforming an old lighthouse into a modern, multifunctional facility, the project breathes new life into the site while honoring its rich heritage. This project highlights the potential of contemporary architecture to create spaces that are both functional and harmonious with nature.
