The urban fabric of Prato draws its uniqueness from its extreme symmetry. Aligned along the lines of the ancient Roman Cardo Decumanus, the orthogonal grid that makes it up is striking in its permanence and by the degree of its spatial and temporal extension. In order to recover the dimensions of such a layout, the three hectares freed up at the heart of the ramparts cannot be a void. This project functions in structuring the site so as to more fully integrate it into the existing order. The park is made up of a vegetal and mineral composition developed from a figural interpretation of its unique cartography : aerial views of Prato. This graphic process allows for the geometrical arrangement of mineral and planted surfaces, rigorously demarcated by sculptural hedges. The hedges function in ordering the site into axes that run parallel to the Cardo. A high stratum of trees dominates the park from above, while less regulated plantings are added to those already existing. The main elements of vegetal, mineral, and water, interact and play off one another here for the creation of architectural spaces which house artistic components. A shallow basin runs alongside the rampart, placing the spectator at a distance from the architectural vestiges of the past. In baroque artifice, the water reflects the medieval wall: doubling it visually in height and accentuating its monumentality. The sequence of hedges multiplies the number of vanishing points and bifurcations possible, while creating spaces whose dimensions are similar to those of the public squares in the historical city center. These scattered gardens are home to particular forms of vegetation that echo the artistic program of the site. The Luigi Pecci Center for Contemporary Art is located adjacent along the Avenue de la République. Through the desire to extend this intramuros space, and to be fittingly part of the cultural dynamic particular to the city, our program for the park remains closely in connection with contemporary art.
Comune di Prato
MDP Michel Desvigne Paysagiste (lead consultant) / OBR / Intertecno
3,3 ha (7,5 acres)