Preserving Tradition, Embracing Innovation: The Community Hall Lungiarü

Embracing Sustainable Tourism

Nestled beneath the picturesque Puez plateau in the Italian Dolomites, Lungiarü stands as a testament to sustainable tourism growth. Over the years, this quaint mountain village, where the native ladino language prevails, has attracted numerous visitors to its historic center and traditional barns. However, the village remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing contemporary needs.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Interventions in Lungiarü’s core buildings are rare and carefully deliberated upon with input from various stakeholders within the local community. The goal is to strike a delicate balance between conserving the village’s architectural typology and providing modern amenities.

Expanding Community Services

The existing council hall, serving as a vital local hub, required additional spaces to meet the growing needs of the community. Thus, a new multi-functional community hall was conceived, intended for use by the school and the general public alike. This innovative space incorporates local club and service rooms, a spacious foyer with a catering bar, and a sports hall for the adjacent primary school. Moreover, it can transform into an adaptable festival hall, extending onto the public plaza during local celebrations. The plaza itself has been redesigned as a stepped arena, providing seating for larger gatherings and enhancing the square’s accessibility, thereby fostering community engagement.

Innovative Design and Materials

The structural framework of the community hall combines reinforced concrete and a hybrid steel frame with cross-laminated glue-lam timber beams. Drawing inspiration from the historic barns of the surrounding valley, the external cladding features locally sourced larch slats. Inside, oak flooring and acoustic wall paneling create a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by windows framed in local larch. Even the arena steps utilize prefabricated reinforced concrete components. Despite respecting the traditional roofscape of adjacent buildings, the new extension incorporates large window and sliding door openings, imbuing the space with a contemporary flair.

In essence, the Community Hall Lungiarü stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity, embodying Lungiarü’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage while embracing the future.