The Centre of Mediterranean Culture: A Bridge Between Past, Present, and Future
in ARCHITETTURA | architecture
© NightNurse I Centre of Mediterranean Culture.
Reggio Calabria, a city of historical charm and a cultural crossroads between East and West — as well as the gateway between mainland Italy and the island of Sicily — is set to welcome an ambitious architectural project by Zaha Hadid Architects: the Centre of Mediterranean Culture. Officially inaugurated with the laying of the foundation stone by Mayor Giuseppe Falcomatà and ZHA director Filippo Innocenti, this innovative cultural center promises to redefine the city’s relationship with the sea and its Mediterranean identity. Strategically positioned on the Strait of Messina, the complex aims to celebrate the history, biodiversity, and cultural influences that have shaped Calabria over the centuries. More than just an exhibition space, the project is part of a broader redevelopment plan for Reggio Calabria’s waterfront, enhancing existing museum offerings and strengthening the connection between the territory and the Mediterranean.
© NightNurse I Centre of Mediterranean Culture.
Rooted in a vision dating back to 2007, ZHA originally won an international competition with a groundbreaking proposal. After years of anticipation, funding was secured in 2021 through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the Metropolitan Cities Operational Program (PON Metro) 2021-2027, paving the way for the detailed design phase with updated environmental sustainability criteria.
© NightNurse I Centre of Mediterranean Culture.
Inspired by the radial symmetry of starfish, ZHA’s design stands out for its fluid and dynamic form. Covering 24,000 square meters, the center will host permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, an aquarium, an auditorium for events and conferences, as well as educational spaces and leisure areas, including a restaurant overlooking the port. The building’s layout strategically alternates architectural volumes with shaded public courtyards, protected from the intense sun and strong northern summer winds channeled through the Strait of Messina. Depending on orientation, each courtyard offers views of the port to the east, the city to the south, or leads to a panoramic terrace facing west, revealing breathtaking vistas of the Strait and Sicily.
© NightNurse I Centre of Mediterranean Culture.
Inside, the center is inspired by the Mediterranean Sea and the rich biodiversity of the Strait. Organic colors and shapes reflect marine life, with coral tones in the auditorium evoking the vibrancy of the Strait’s ecosystem, while the aquarium’s interiors echo the fluidity and purity of water, creating an immersive experience. Sustainability plays a key role in the design: a 90% opaque façade minimizes solar heat absorption, while locally-produced marine anodized aluminum panels reduce energy and environmental costs. The surrounding landscape will feature native Mediterranean vegetation with sixty plant varieties, contributing to biodiversity and efficient water resource management. Rainwater will be collected for both landscape irrigation and building use.
© NightNurse I Centre of Mediterranean Culture.
More than just a museum, the Centre of Mediterranean Culture will serve as a civic and cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, events, and forums dedicated to the relationship between humanity and the sea. The waterfront revitalization will improve coastal accessibility, transforming the area into an urban coastal park with a scenic promenade offering spectacular views of the Strait of Messina and Sicily. With this project, Reggio Calabria is poised for a significant transformation, reaffirming its role as a Mediterranean crossroads and a major cultural center. This architectural landmark not only celebrates the city’s rich history and beauty but also defines its future — where culture, architecture, and sustainability intertwine seamlessly.
© NightNurse I Centre of Mediterranean Culture.