Piuarch designs landmark cultural center and theater in Riva del Garda
In a bold move set to transform the cultural and urban landscape of northern Italy, Milan-based architecture firm Piuarch, in collaboration with architect Andrea Palaia, has unveiled the design of a new Congress Complex and Theater in Riva del Garda.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project promises to establish a vibrant civic and cultural nucleus on the edge of Lake Garda, seamlessly connecting nature, architecture, and the historical urban fabric of the city.
Strategically located near Riva del Garda’s historic center, the complex is designed to blend into the unique topography and lakefront character of the region. The architectural composition unfolds fluidly across the site, defining the boundaries of a newly conceived public square.
This square not only functions as a central gathering point but also anchors the design’s integration with the surrounding medieval structures and natural scenery, offering a space that encourages interaction and community life.
The complex is centered around two primary components: a reimagined Conference Centre and a brand-new Public Theatre. The conference space features a main hall with a capacity of 1,200 and a versatile multi-use hall, both connected by an expansive, scenic foyer extending across two levels.
The theatre, seating 600, is designed as a sculptural volume that dialogues with Riva’s iconic fortress and central church, underscoring its cultural significance and visual harmony with the city’s heritage.
Piuarch’s architectural vision emphasizes transparency and material contrast, marrying the solidity of local stone with the ethereal quality of glass. This interplay of textures and light not only enhances the building’s visual depth but also reflects the surrounding landscape, drawing inspiration from the contours of the mountains and the shimmering waters of the lake.
The design incorporates inclined planes that echo the natural lines of the terrain, culminating in a striking panoramic viewpoint within the conference center foyer—an architectural telescope that opens outward to the lake.
The heart of the project is the new square, shaped by the dynamic curves of the building itself. This central space acts as a social engine, reinforcing the dialogue between the built environment and the natural world.
Adjacent gardens lead gently to the water’s edge, forming a green corridor that invites relaxation and reflection while strengthening the connection between the city and its iconic lakefront.
As construction progresses, the excitement surrounding the project continues to build. Once completed, the new Congress Complex and Theater is set to become a symbol of contemporary civic life—where culture, innovation, and the natural landscape converge to create a lasting, transformative presence in Riva del Garda.
All images by Piuarch, with courtesy of Keywords Design
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