2008 – 2020
The “Ai Salici” residential complex is located in the Semine-Saleggi district, south of Bellinzona, in an area historically used for agriculture, where cultivated fields once extended toward the Magadino Plain and the Ticino River. Since the 1960s, the area has undergone rapid urban development, though the original agricultural parcel structure—characterized by long, narrow lots—remains clearly legible.
The generous size of the site (approximately 4,000 m²) allowed for the application of parameters defined by the local District Plan (Piano di Quartiere), enabling a unified architectural approach with a compact settlement model and a clearly organized functional layout.
The overall design is structured around a longitudinal wall that runs through the site, serving as both a spatial and organizational axis. The four residential volumes are arranged along this wall and interspersed with landscaped courtyards, each featuring a central willow tree—a recurring landscape element and symbol of the project. The wall delineates a clear separation between vehicular traffic areas and pedestrian/green spaces.
The ground floor is entirely dedicated to communal and service functions. It includes residential entrances, access to the garden, cellar/storage rooms, technical spaces, and parking facilities. Due to the high water table, it was not feasible to construct an underground level.
The first two buildings completed (Blocks A and B) each house eight residential units, evenly divided between 3½-room and 4½-room apartments, for a total of 16 units. All bedrooms are oriented to the northeast, facing the city and the Bellinzona Castles, while the living areas open onto large covered corner terraces overlooking the landscaped park.
Photographs: © 2017 Marcelo Villada Ortiz e Studio Guerra