A green and regenerated neighbourhood for Concesio
Ex Faini Area, Concesio (BS)
The original project dates back to 2005 and involved the redevelopment of a disused industrial area of over 60,000 m², located in the north-western part of the town. A strategic location within the municipality, between the River Mella and Via Triumplina—the main road linking Val Trompia and Val Gobbia to the city—and close to the planned extension of the Brescia underground. The Ex-Faini area was initially designated for the construction of eight residential buildings, a commercial and office courtyard, a public square, and a tower hotel with at least six above-ground floors, intended to serve as a landmark for the entire site.
Between mid-2007 and early 2010, building permits were issued for the construction of a commercial building, which was completed and opened to the public, as well as for other buildings in their shell state.
The site has remained abandoned since 2010, the year in which the principal developer of the urban complex was declared bankrupt.
In 2020, to facilitate the recovery process, the local government included the area among those earmarked for urban and territorial regeneration, providing for preferential negotiation criteria. Within this context, DVA, in agreement with the Bankruptcy Trustee appointed by the Court, developed a regeneration proposal to be presented to the Municipality of Concesio.
Our approach was to consider this as a piece within a mosaic of socio-anthropic and natural significance. In the area, which stretches between the urban fabric of Concesio and the natural system formed by the Mella River, we have incorporated a large park that will develop to the south of the site: an ecological corridor running from north to south, where greenery will be the dominant and continuous element.
From an anthropic perspective as well, the new project has been conceived with reduced volumes, enhancing what has already been constructed and maintaining the plurality of urban uses originally envisaged:
- a commercial/office building, which, with its six above-ground storeys, serves as a landmark.
- a building intended for private residential use, characterised by a large internal courtyard designed to create continuity through generous connections with the ecological corridor that traverses the entire area.
- the redevelopment of the two existing structures to the west of the site, with the ground floor designated for co-working spaces and the four upper floors for subsidised cohousing accommodation.
- a building with a reduced volume and lower visual impact, which will be allocated to open- market housing.
Following the approval of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), the Municipal Council adopted the amendment to the Local Master Plan, incorporating this project proposal in line with the general guidelines of the Municipality of Concesio regarding the reduction of land consumption and the urban regeneration of existing assets.
60.000
GFA
[m²]
200+
VALUE OF DESIGNED WORKS
[M €]
29.500
GFA ALLOCATED FOR RESIDENTIAL USE
[m²]
4
BUILDINGS IN A STATE OF ABANDONMENT
“We welcomed this proposal for the spirit of territoriality and sustainability that
characterises DVArea. In our approach, as well as revitalising the existing buildings, we
have also focused on the community by introducing building types designed to
accommodate new families and young professionals. The project places the green area at
its core, expanded and identified as an ecological corridor capable of shaping the new
buildable layout.”
“Recognising the nature of the challenge and the significant social value of the project,
DVA undertook a highly complex task with great commitment, working to meet the needs
of the trusteeship and serving the community in a commendable and highly professional
manner. ”
