The aim of this project is to rejuvenate the landscape whilst also promoting tourism and aspiring food production at the Parco Delle Cave of Marsala in Sicily. Historically, the land was damaged by continuous mining activities, leaving behind much debris and creating air and noise pollution for the surrounding environment. However, a visit to the site revealed more of its potential. The adjacent agricultural land provides good conditions for a food harvest such as grapes. The raw tuff walls that build the bodies of these abandoned quarries provide good insulation for wine storage and production. As this land functions actively, it invites tourists to embark on a journey around the landscape. Although it is often pleasing to view landscapes or a skyline from a position on or above the ground’s surface, this project provides the opportunity to experience the dynamism of being in an open site that is situated 30m below ground, surrounded by the unique texture of tuff walls. On the other hand, tunnel excursions create more intimate experiences with the raw materials in designated indoor spaces that also support wine production. As the journey continues around the landscape, villas are built into the tuff walls for tourists to experience a unique night in the quarry. The interior of these villas and apartment structures are merely created with the quarry’s innate raw material. Overall, this project aims to create a unique journey for visitors whilst also allowing them to taste locally produced wine that can be taken home, taking furhter advantage of the landscape as a memorable souvenir to take away.
A plan showing the connection between the existing land and the redesigned quarry site. New pathways and activities are proposed on land for a unique experience in the quarry.
An illustration of the different ongoing activities that are ready to be explored by the locals or tourists. A proposed journey pathway indicates the starting point and an ending point of a one-day journey.
A section illustrating the connection from the surrounding landscape to the bottom of the quarry as well as its other linking pathways.
The vineyard offers a piece of working land for the locals and a place for tourists to experience the landscape and taste locally produced wine that can be taken home at the end of the day.
The landscape is itself a memorable souvenir to be taken away after one’s journey around the 30-metre-deep quarry.