Piazza Bernardino Luini

Location: Lugano, city center

Design: 2012-2013

Construction: 2013-2015

Architecture Studio: Buletti Fumagalli & Associati, Lugano

Architect: Mauro Buletti
Collaborator: Luca Ascolti

Engineering Studio: Mantegazza & Cattaneo, Lugano

The intervention is part of the redevelopment and extension project for the pedestrian zone in Lugano's city core and the urban design in natural stone for streets and squares in the historical center, carried out in successive phases since 1987.

To the south of the city, Piazza Bernardino Luini is a large and fascinating elevated space extending towards the lake, created as part of the LAC development and facing the former Palace. It hosts open-air events for the cultural center and, along with the forecourt of Santa Maria degli Angioli, serves as a gateway to the traditional core, connecting the Lugano Arte e Cultura complex with historic Lugano. Covering 2,500 m², it is the largest square in the City.

The criteria from the late 1980s were revisited in this intervention, with the creation of the large "background carpet". Made with square slabs of Riviera gneiss, it covers the entire surface between the road curb, the buildings, and the edge of the LAC staircase, extending also along the northern side and behind the apse of the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli.

The pattern that defines the entire surface of the square, marking the placement and boundaries of individual buildings, is made with porphyry slabs arranged in a series of transverse bands with a precise spatial rhythm. In front of the church, this creates a simple forecourt design, enriched by the integration of the original pavement. Two groups of medium-sized plants define a quiet resting area with benches in front of the former Palace.