Mario Cucinella’s Pavilion at Montagnola Park in Bologna

Located to the north of the city, within the historic walls and a short distance from the famous (and ill-fated) railway station, Montagnola Park is one of the oldest in Bologna. A venue for public events and celebrations since the Napoleonic era, today it hosts second-hand markets, cultural events and open-air festivals. However, alongside these activities, the park has also suffered from the deterioration of temporary structures that have been abandoned for years, as well as from crime problems. These challenges have sparked considerable debate and prompted the local administration to use funding from Next Generation EU - the European programme dedicated to post-pandemic urban regeneration - to breathe new life into this cherished space.

The project by Mario Cucinella Architects, whose studio is based in Bologna, reflects the energy and historical essence of the park through a flexible structure deeply inspired by the city itself. The three volumes that replace the existing, now crumbling building - too costly to renovate - house a 300 square metre multi-purpose hall, a workshop space and a bar with public toilets. These elements are united by a canopy that pays homage to Bologna's most iconic architectural feature: the Portici (arcades). Covered in corrugated metal and supported by slender circular columns, this shelter defines pathways, outdoor spaces and entrances, while blending seamlessly with the centuries-old plane trees dating back to the Napoleonic era.

Green roofs, combined with a predominantly dry construction technique, reflect a strong commitment to sustainability - in line with the mission and programming of the Pavilion, now managed by the Fondazione IU Rusconi Ghigi. The long-term goal is to transform the pavilion into a centre for discussion on environmental issues, a topic that has become even more pressing following the devastating floods that hit Emilia-Romagna in May 2024.