This design proposal aimed to establish a new primary entrance to the city of Cortona, located in the Arezzo province of Tuscany.
The significance of this square is threefold. Firstly, it serves as the principal access point for pilgrims traveling to a nearby convent, who traverse this square on foot from various parts of Europe. Secondly, the square has been a central gathering spot for students from the American Georgia University's summer program, which has been held beneath this piazza for over a decade. Thirdly, and equally important, this square offers the highest viewpoint over the hilly city of Cortona, providing breathtaking views of the city and Lake Trasimeno.
The core objective of this proposal is to create a versatile space equipped with technology that allows the piazza to adapt its form to meet diverse needs. This adaptability is achieved through a modular pavement system capable of altering its elevation via mechanical pistons.