ALL ALONG THE QUARRY
Sofia Rodríguez I Gil
/Müslüm Sarikaya
The stone and the olive tree. Analysing the area of Puglia we visualized the two main resources for economic growth on the landscape of the region. The Lecce stone, extracted in masses and exported all over the world, leaving behind huge man-made topographies without any use. And the huge Olive tree fields, maintained since decades, that now are dying because of the Xylella fastidiosa, and creating the same void as the old quarries.
During our trip in Puglia we discovered a site where those two resources and new landscapes collide, generating a huge potential for the future. The abandoned quarry, with the olive trees embedded by those 16m high stone walls, create a rather surreal landscape. This quarry is placed between the small village Cursi, other quarries and the monocultural fields of olive trees.
What should we do with this site that was already saved once, and now is dying again? Our project tries to implement a third resource on it, the water. A place to collect this resource that is becoming more and more precious. Where this necessity for water will make people come together. A place for gathering.
Taking advantage of the existing topography and using the shadow areas, we design the collection and filtration of the rain water, that will generate an exceptional microclimate in this hot area and provide drinkable water for the people of the environment. The seasonal workers in the area, that don’t have any access to it, and the people from the village, that are missing fresh public spaces with shadow.
Creating a new community around simple elements like a narrow piscine or a bench with small water basins. We bring again the fountain as a public element for gathering around.