Less Yes
More Integrity
Less Quantity
More Quality
Less Complacency
More Interrogation
Less Acceptance
More Research
Less Repetition
More Originality
Less Narrow
More Wide
Less Laziness
More Ambition
Less Loose
More Rigour
Less Fashion
More Substance
Less Apathy
More Passion
Less Complication
More Consideration
Less Haste
More Time
Less Separate
More Holistic
Less Ornamentation
More Longevity
Less Assumption
More Understanding
Less Conventional
More Alternative

Alt Studios

Artist's impression - the revived tower re-establishes its former permanence through rammed concrete, its hue and texture are achieved by integrating a crushed stone aggregate sourced from ruinous material heaps across the region. Small apertures at the parapet align with the irregular horizontal pour lines, subtly offering transparency and a contemporary take on past castellated forms and machicolations. In the evenings, the soffit of the bronze pavilion structure will catch the light from the terrace, referencing the historic beacon which would have been located at the top of the tower.
Sketch axonometric — the proposal adopts a clear hierarchy of uses, moving from closed and introspective at ground level, to becoming increasingly open and convivial up through the tower.
Roof plan adopting the concept of Beyond: Following these dialogues, groups ascend to each tower's roof to gain an elevated perspective on their community and neighbours, nurturing a poetic reminder of connections beyond self.
First floor plan adopting the concept of One another: A communal chamber at the tower's core serves as an adaptable civic forum for formal or informal discussions, debates, and celebrations, fostering connections among residents.
Ground floor plan adopting the concept of Oneself: Lower levels as spaces for self-reflection, and during events, repositories of information for solitary contemplation before ascending.
Artist's impression - largely intact, the approach to ground floor was to emphasise the existing quality of seclusion. A singular and immovable concrete bench is proposed to encourage quiet contemplation in the centre of the space. The internal floor level is raised in line with the new external pier structures, allowing for a reflecting pool to be integrated, to link poetically to the rising sea level which hitherto threatened the tower. The opportunity for small exhibitions is accommodated in the form of minimal display shelving.
A series of ideograms illustrating abstractions from the ebb and flow of the experiential journey throughout our concept for the adaptive reuse of Torre Rinalda, Lecce, Italy.
Concept Section - The proposal adopts a clear hierarchy of uses within a variety of impactful spatial configurations; moving from closed and introspective at ground level, to becoming increasingly open and convivial as one ascends the tower.
Loose concept sketch for the adaptive reuse of Torre Rinalda, Lecce, Italy — a catalyst to influence the broader transformation of such regional coastal towers into civic and cultural centres for their respective namesake settlements.
Topographic map of the Province of Lecce. It sheds light on the abundance of coastal towers prevalent in the region of interest, each bearing testament to the historical significance and strategic importance they held individually and collectively. A total of 78 coastal towers are recorded, with two highlighted as ruins. The distribution of these towers is as follows: Lecce (55), Brindisi (10), Taranto (13). The historic map completed in 1803 by the skilled geographer Giuseppe Pacelli (1764-1811) of Manduria, forms part of a manuscript dated between 1803 and 1850, kept within the Archbishop’s Public Library
Site photo of Torre Rinalda. Today the ruin presents a truncated pyramid-shaped structure, typical of the Kingdom of Naples, with a square basement, all built in regular blocks of local stone. The tower had originally two upper levels, but the top part is today almost destroyed.
Site plan of Torre Rinalda.
Client Reuse Italy
Stage Concept
Location Torre Rinalda, Lecce, Italy

Can life be restored to a 16th-century military coastal tower, Torre Rinalda, through adaptive reuse? This was the question posed by Reuse Italy in their quest for ideas.

The proposal introduces a raised plinth at the tower’s base, forming a public space for ocean observation and recreation. Utilising rock formations, it merges with new pier structures to create a sea pool. The existing slipway is formalised and seamlessly integrated within the new pier structure, thereby improving the public realm and fostering a connection between the tower and the existing public uses.

The tower’s restoration uses rammed concrete with textured, undulating pour lines inspired by the dunes. Apertures at parapet level reinterpret past forms, while a monolith emerging from the restored dunes frames direct pedestrian access – anchoring the tower to the dunes and wider landscape, while consciously mediating its peripheral location.

The tower adopts a clear hierarchy of uses. The ground floor emphasises seclusion with a single immovable concrete bench and reflecting pool, symbolising rising sea levels. The first floor transforms into a flexible communal hall, and a discreet roof pavilion promotes meaningful occupation rather than merely serving as a viewing platform. Collectively, the design blends history with function, establishing a contemplative environment.

Torre Rinalda
Images, Information