The remains of the ancient Porto Catena of Mantua are in a state of neglect. This project transforms these remains into an open space for the Mantua Literature Festival, with synthetic and delicate gestures, and an intentional parsimony of monumental and theatrical symbols. It is a project that combines maximum discretion and maximum effectiveness, depriving itself of redundancy and superfluous elements. In fact, the biggest intervention is the subtraction of material to form a large staircase, while preserving the perimeter walls: in this way, while descending towards the scene, the view of the landscape progressively disappears and the visitor is invited to sit down and focus on the play.

status: academic project
for: usi Mendrisio
atelier: P. Zermani
what: open air theatre
where: Mantova, Italy
when: winter 2018
who: Simon Cattaneo