Zaha Hadid’s upcoming masterpiece to feature solar-reflective aluminium façade

Zaha Hadid Architects, a British architecture and design firm, has unveiled plans for a striking cultural centre in Reggio Calabria, southern Italy, overlooking the Strait of Messina.  The Centre of Mediterranean Culture will feature a sculpted, futuristic design with a facade crafted from locally produced, marine-grade anodised aluminium panels.

The building's façade, crafted from locally sourced, marine-grade anodised aluminium panels, helps reduce solar heat gain while reflecting the region's distinctive Mediterranean light. Deep overhangs provide shade, limiting direct sunlight and mitigating glare from sea reflections.

The facade will be 90 per cent opaque, carefully engineered to adapt to the region's wind conditions. Embracing advanced computer modelling — a growing focus for the studio since the passing of its founder — the building's distinctive form is a direct response to its natural surroundings, blending innovation with environmental sensitivity.

A thoughtfully designed building

The Centre of Mediterranean Culture will span 24,000 sq m (nearly 260,000 sq ft) with a flowing, curvilinear design inspired by marine life. The space will house an aquarium, conference centres, an auditorium, education areas, a bookshop, a restaurant, and a bar — all centred on celebrating the connection between the local community and the Mediterranean Sea.

The surrounding landscape will be thoughtfully designed, featuring sixty native plant species and a rainwater capture system to support sustainable irrigation. The building's design is shaped by the local climate, featuring sheltered courtyards that soften the impact of the intense Mediterranean sun and winds while framing views of the Strait of Messina and the city. The strategic placement and orientation of the volumes optimise natural light and ventilation, minimising the need for artificial climate control.

Various sustainable strategies

Beyond the façade, the Centre integrates various sustainable strategies, including hybrid ventilation systems that harness natural airflow, rainwater harvesting for irrigation and building use, and a carefully curated Mediterranean maquis landscape. Featuring sixty native plant species adapted to the local climate, the landscape reduces water consumption while enhancing biodiversity.

The Centre's location within the Reggium Waterfront redevelopment project is part of a larger urban renewal effort in Reggio Calabria. By transforming this stretch of the city's coastline and enhancing public access to the port, the building is both a cultural hub and a vibrant civic gathering space, fostering community engagement and interaction.

Funded through Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the National Operational Programme for Metropolitan Cities (PON Metro), the project highlights the Centre's dual role as a cultural landmark and a catalyst for urban regeneration.

Image Source: Arch Daily website, NightNurse