VOLUME, LIGHT, AND MATERIAL
A brand-new sports centre in the San Tomaso de’ Calvi district of Bergamo, northern Italy, redefines the sport and leisure experience: the gymnasium is not only a functional building, but also a place of community and shared identity. The project was commissioned by the Municipality of Bergamo, which sought to equip this part of the city with a modern, versatile, and welcoming complex that could house various sports and recreational activities.
Architecture studio Settanta7’s design forms part of a larger redevelopment plan for the area, including the nearby Parco Ovest.
The building, split into two complementary volumes, has a large curved window facing the park, which allows light to enter, enhances the feeling of space, and offers a sense of visual continuity between the gym’s interior and the outside landscape.
The main building, with its irregular design, is a dynamic structure, and this quality is emphasized by the Mediterranean Blue titanium-zinc zintek® cladding: the material was chosen both for its technical attributes — durability, weather resistance, and flexible application — and for the way it interacts with its surroundings.
The constantly shifting reflections on the metal surfaces bring the building envelope to life and give the whole complex a unique identity. Laid with regular angular-seamed joints, the zintek® adapted perfectly to even the most complex parts of the façade, creating an uninterrupted surface full of expression and style.
Internally, the structure has been designed with function and accessibility in mind, with separate routes for athletes, referees, and spectators to ensure safety for all and smooth flows of people. Exposed glued laminated timber — which gives the rooms a feeling of warmth and helps to create a welcoming atmosphere — is a distinctive element of the design.
Here too, light becomes an architectural feature that cuts through and shapes the space, while the warmth of the material offsets the rigorous construction style.
The San Tomaso de’ Calvi gym is therefore an excellent example of a new-build structure that is fully integrated into its urban surroundings: an important addition to the list of contemporary architectural works designed to serve the community.
