Architectural integration took center stage at the recent competition for the new facilities of the Foundation of the Institute of Oncological Research (IOR) held in Bellinzona. The event, which aimed to find innovative designs for laboratory and conference spaces, revealed the importance of dialogue between new constructions and their existing contexts, particularly highlighted by the recently completed Institute of Biological Research building by architect Aurelio Galfetti.
The competition necessitated the design of laboratories with flexibility and modularity, alongside conference rooms accessible to the public, and communal spaces for researchers. Significantly, it aimed to establish physical connections with the Galfetti building completed just two years prior. This existing structure, marked by its architectural quality, was a pivotal aspect for designers entering the contest.
The site for the new construction, located on the intersection of urban development grids, is adjacent to various other public buildings, creating what is described as a 'urban void' adjacent to green spaces. The competition zone is poised on the brink of urban expansion, characterized by residential buildings developed post-World War II and serving as key structures representing the heritage of the Ticinese School of Architecture.
Among the eight teams admitted to the second round, four were selected as prize winners, showcasing diverse perspectives on architectural identity and integration. The winning designs primarily reflect two distinct attitudes: one promoting 'brotherhood' with the existing buildings, and the other emphasizing 'twinning' by replicative elements, creating visual cohesion.
The first prize was awarded to architects Ilg Santer and Buzzi Architettura for their project featuring two free-standing volumes oriented parallel to the river. These structures are cleverly linked to the existing building through lower elements, forming what the jury described as 'a small campus for research and training.'
The cubic structure will serve as the lab space, whereas the cylindrical element has been designated as the congress hall. This distinct separation allows for clear public identity, which the jury lauded for enhancing the interaction between the facility and the community. The public entrance of the congress center includes spacious galleries, offering engaging interactions between the interior and the exterior, and facilitating access for visitors.
The second prize went to Itten Brechbühl, whose design echoes the first prize's ethos and similarly strikes balance between urban residential grids and spaces oriented toward the river. Their singular square volume, oriented parallel to the river axis, solidifies its public character, creating ambiances with varying external spaces and clear accessible routes.
Cruz and Ortiz, the third prize winners, took on a different challenge, opting for replication of the existing structure's volume and enhancing it to create the perception of unity. Their design prioritizes aesthetic coherence and draws upon architectural affinities, positing the complex as one cohesive whole rather than adding disparate elements.
Lastly, the fourth prize-winning project by Galfetti Associati and Bondini aligns with the precedent set by previous designs, advocating for harmony over mere replication. Their submission emphasizes the generative potentials of unified forms, aiming to create dynamic relationships between spaces and functions.
What stands out among all the winning entries is the shared philosophy of aesthetic dialogue with both the site and existing buildings. The proposals, though varied, collectively sought to address broader questions about identity and continuity, reflecting the richness of the architectural language present within Bellinzona's urban fabric.
All awarded designs, regardless of form and expression, concentrated on expressing this thoughtful dialogue aimed toward establishing specific relationships with their immediate environment. The careful balance of new and existing elements resonates deeply within the community's broader narrative of urban development and architectural significance.