
Environmental renovation of Lake Sassano
Site:
Conversano(BA) ITALIA
Year:
2023
Client:
Municipality of Conversano
Area:
13,700 sqm
Budget:
1.800.000euro
Team:
Arch. Luigi Pardo
R. D’ Angelo
Cerchi in acqua
Photos:
PD'A Archive

A necessary symbiosis
Finalist project: NRRP renovation and regeneration project for the wetlands within the Nature Reserve of Conversano, Apulia, in a partnership with Vera Luciani.
The aim of the call was the restoration of the reserve with a focus on biodiversity. The resulting project would invite residents and visitors to enjoy the shores of the lake, marked by water cisterns which were used for irrigation in the past and are now in disuse for biodiversity protection purposes. Our submitted project, which has been selected for the final stage, allows both residents and visitors to reconnect with the environment in an appealing, season-changing setting, by renovating the shoreline, and creating an archipelago of tiny floating islands, which aims to create a new, lively ecosystem. This area is already a nature reserve, and is made accessible to visitors through specific actions, which aim to allow them to experience the lake more intensely, by means of development and biodiversity protection strategies.
Hanging and overflow type footbridges create pathways and resting spots that allow people to cross the water and connect with the wildlife of the reserve. This is also due to a balanced allocation of seats and birding areas... Some footbridges may surface from the water, showing signs of low water levels or drought, hence becoming platforms for waterbirds that populate the lake. A number of rafts, floating according to the water level, is home to water plants, key players in the lake's purification process. Platforms offer shelter for both sedentary and migratory birds, while setting the stage for more food and protection for fishes, amphibians, and mammals as well. Furthermore, the footbridges are designed to serve as a stage for shows on the water. In the summertime, visitors will be able to enjoy these shows, and the fresh air, from the stand that we placed on the meander of the lake. Beyond the road, we conceived an educational park for kids. By creating water paths with dams and games, kids can experiment physical phenomena related to the water and the rain, and raise their awareness on the issue of drought. The leisure-educational park is designed to encourage youngsters' connection with the Reserve, as a place of discovery that raises the awareness of environmental protection and the issue of drought through games and experiential learning. The project also features amenity buildings, birding spots, lounging areas, and a lakeside performance stand. Finally, a harvesting system is planned to collect rainwater and later return it into the ecosystem.
AREA BEYOND CHIENNA STREET
Dedicated spots hold thematic areas for leisure, educational, sports, and recreational activities
SPORTS AREA
A well-equipped sports area, not far from the track, is a perfect stopover for cyclists, runners, and visitorsto warm up, stretch, and start or end their training sessions.
EDUCATIONAL PLAYGROUND
A playground area, equipped with educational games, allows young visitors to raise their awareness of the physical phenomena that underlie the existence of the lake ecosystem, and learning the importance of protection and care while playing.
SERVICE BUILDINGS
Within the park, there are three service buildings: a technical room for water pump, a toilet facility, and a guest house for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. These buildings play an important role in the rainwater harvesting and conveying cycle.
THE SQUARE
A wooden walkway surrounds the stretch of water, which is directly connected to the water purification and storage system.
SOLAR SHADING SYSTEM
It helps keep a low soil temperature, preventing over-evaporation.
GUSHES OF WATER
They help cool down the area while being a playful and fun attraction for both young and elder visitors.
FOOTBRIDGES
Water paths consist of hanging (footbridges) and floating (rafts)walkways, allowing visitors to cross the water pond, or enjoy closer contact with the wildlife of the reserve, while also serving as a stage for water performances, if needed.
FLOATING RAFTS
Small artificial platforms that allow plants (the major elementinvolved in the phytoremediation process) to grow where water level is too low and unstable, or the shores are too steep for a surface wetland to develop.
PLATFORMS
These rings made of stone slabs, which rise or sink as the water level changes, are convenient shelters for water birds, that may walk and rest here.
AVIARIES
A ring that is duly equipped with vertical structures and a variety of supports, and allows both resident and migratory birds to recover in the middle of the pond, thus making it possible for visitors to observe them.
STAND
An audience stall, partially sinking into water, serves as a stand for water shows and a practical lakeside lounge area.

