Bastione delle ForchePrato

At the planning stage, research into a system for crossing and linking the existing public spaces was based on the surveys carried out between 1995 and 1996 as part of the proposal for restoring the entire complex. Further in site inspections - possible only once the work had begun - were carried with a view to refining the project.

Photography & Project by Spira Srl

The discovery, during excavations of the remains of a defensive trench within the Bastion and hitherto unsuspected building parts meant that the original project needed to be modified. These alterations took into account the specific conservation and evaluation requirements of the newly uncovered remains, once a careful survey of the new walls had been realised.

Photography & Project by Spira Srl

The decision to use a structural steel floor for the ramp without any ground supports (rather than the original plan to use concrete kerbs) was made as this would prove less invasive and simpler to dismantle if any future archaeological excavations were ordered. The rise for the walkway was determined by the levels of the two areas to be linked, - one inside and the other outside the Bastion - together with the necessity to safeguard the architectural remains. The path inside the Bastion, 2.40m wide, was surfaced with larch planking secured in three points - by stainless steel anchoring pins - to the steel joists below.

Photography & Project by Spira Srl

Photography & Project by Spira Srl

Photography & Project by Spira Srl