Studio Nizzoli - Arena Alpe Adria e Giardino dei Labirinti, 1978-1988

Lignano Sabbiadoro - viale Europa, 26

Fotografia: Biblioteca del Comune di Lignano Sabbiadoro

90 Architettura del Novecento a Lignano

The outdoor area, divided between a garden and a performance arena, exemplifies how postmodern architecture can creatively reinterpret natural and cultural spaces. Designed by G. M. Olivieri, A. Susini, and P. Viola, this project demonstrates how a limited space can be transformed into a dynamic and multifaceted experience.

The garden, named "The Garden of Forking Paths" in homage to the famous short story by Jorge Luis Borges, adopts a labyrinthine solution. The idea is that the garden, though restricted in size, can be perceived as ever-expanding. The labyrinth invites visitors on an exploratory journey through its winding paths, evoking the sense of mystery and discovery typical of Borges' works. This architectural play turns the garden into a sensory and intellectual experience that encourages reflection.

The arena, on the other hand, is characterized by an anamorphic entrance, an architectural solution that offers a three-dimensional rendering of a tectonic image reflected by a mirror. This effect creates a distorted perception that recomposes only from a certain angle, a play of perspectives that challenges the viewer and expands the traditional boundaries of architectural perception.

This project, blending nature, art, and literature, is a brilliant example of how postmodernism can subvert traditional expectations and offer innovative solutions to spatial challenges. The use of the labyrinth and the anamorphic entrance not only overcomes the limitations of space but transforms the area into a symbolic place where each architectural element invites reflection and exploration. A visionary design that surpasses physical limits through the power of imagination and architectural ingenuity.