The project for the renovation of the tourist and museum center in Catania focuses on the restoration of an 18th-century monastery, a building rich in history and cultural significance for the city. The aim is to preserve the architectural integrity of the original structure, respecting its historical and artistic features, while also incorporating modern and technologically advanced elements to adapt it to contemporary needs.
The repurposing of the monastery has been designed to maintain the external appearance and the interior atmosphere, minimizing demolitions and reconstructions. The spaces will be transformed into a tourist and cultural hub, with areas dedicated to thematic exhibitions related to the natural, historical, and gastronomic heritage of Catania and its surroundings. There will be sections focusing on the mountain, the sea, natural reserves, historical-cultural heritage, and local gastronomy, offering visitors an immersive and engaging experience.
The project also includes the installation of technological kiosks in strategic locations around the city, designed to provide tourist information and services to the community. These kiosks will be equipped with interactive screens and charging stations for bicycles and electric scooters, promoting sustainable mobility.
Significant attention has been given to environmental sustainability, using local materials such as Etna basalt and Sicilian marble to respect the identity of the place. The building’s systems are geared towards energy efficiency, with solar panels, underfloor heating systems, and heat recovery units to ensure a high level of environmental comfort while preserving the historic appearance of the building.
From a functional standpoint, the project incorporates an advanced technological approach through the use of the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology, which allows for precise and optimized management of the entire renovation and future maintenance process. This approach enables the accurate monitoring of costs, timelines, and environmental impacts, providing the city of Catania with a state-of-the-art tool for managing its historical heritage.
Ultimately, the renovation of the monastery is not just an architectural restoration but an ambitious project aimed at creating a cultural and tourist attraction that blends the past and the future, tradition and innovation. The result will be a multifunctional hub that, in addition to preserving the city’s historical memory, will promote tourism and education, offering modern and flexible spaces for exhibitions, events, and conferences.
