Construction Begins on Zaha Hadid Architects’ Center of Mediterranean Culture in Reggio Calabria

Zaha Hadid Architects has officially broken ground on the Center of Mediterranean Culture in Reggio Calabria, Italy. The foundation stone was laid by Reggio Calabria’s mayor, Giuseppe Falcomatà, and the firm’s director, Filippo Innocenti, signaling the start of construction on this landmark cultural project.

Strategically positioned along the Strait of Messina in southern Italy, Reggio Calabria has historically served as a gateway between the eastern and western Mediterranean, as well as between mainland Italy and Sicily. With its deep cultural roots shaped by maritime civilizations and its location along vital trade routes, the city stands at the heart of Mediterranean history and its unfolding future.

The new Center of Mediterranean Culture will enrich Reggio Calabria’s cultural landscape by complementing its archaeological and art museums. The center will explore Calabria’s enduring relationship with the sea, serving as a civic space for exhibitions, public forums, and educational engagement.

As part of the Reggium Waterfront redevelopment, the project also addresses long-standing coastal degradation and erosion. It will transform the shoreline into an accessible urban park with scenic promenades that frame iconic views of the Strait of Messina and Sicily.

Spanning 24,000 square meters, the center will house permanent and temporary galleries, an aquarium, a performance auditorium, conference halls, and educational spaces. Additional visitor amenities include a bookshop and a restaurant with views of the port.

The design comprises four wings branching from a central, double-height atrium, each oriented to capture views of the port, city, or sea. Computer simulations have informed the building’s form, optimizing shading and ventilation to accommodate Reggio Calabria’s intense summer sun and northern winds.

Inspired by marine life and the surrounding Mediterranean environment, the center’s interiors echo the colors and forms of the sea. Coral tones in the auditorium reflect the vibrancy of local ecosystems, while the aquarium offers a fluid, immersive experience.

Sustainability is central to the design. The building features a 90% opaque façade made from locally sourced marine-grade anodized aluminum, reducing heat gain and cooling demand. These panels also cut installation energy and maintenance requirements, contributing to long-term environmental performance.

The surrounding landscape will be planted with sixty native Mediterranean species, requiring minimal irrigation and enhancing local biodiversity. Rainwater harvesting will support both landscaping and building needs.

With its climate-responsive design, efficient systems, and emphasis on ecological integration, the Center of Mediterranean Culture is set to become a vital cultural and environmental asset for Reggio Calabria and the wider Mediterranean region.

Source: amazingarchitecture.com