national competition first prize
almost totally surrounded by the sea, this amazing building is connected to the city by a narrow strip of land. therefore the rockisland represents, in rimini, the closest building to the sea: a symbol for the whole city. its rehabilitation will start from the exterior “skin”, maintaining the steel main frame structure, which characterizes today’s interior design. this new skin, composed by corten steel bends, covers the entire structure; this steel curtain is interrupted by vertical cuts which enable the light to come in; from these cuts, crossing the whole building, it will be possible to stare at the stars and moon. a window breaks the continuity of vertical cuts offering a beautiful 360 degree sight of the sea and the city. the “r” letter, situated at the end of the building, faces the sea and can be interpreted both as the “r” of rimini or rockisland. a very charming space lies under the main floor. the intensity of the light conveyed by the sea surfaces, the tight connection with water and the marvellous grillwork, made up of steel pillars focusing on the horizon line, offer unforgettable moments. moreover, moonlight shadows remind noir movies such as “jamaica inn” of alfred hitchcock.