The Lighthouse stands lonely and majestic, contemplating the sea. From its advantage point, the water is alluring but unreachable. A soft wave rises against the arduous rocks and reaches the lighthouse.
The swashline is a path, which makes the sea accessible, safeguarding the isolation of the lighthouse.
The proposal is grounded on the idea of nurturing a culture of environmental respect. In this sense the connection with the sea is twofold, both physical and theoretical.
The site is part of the “Capo Murro di Porco e Penisola della Maddalena” Natural Reserve and of the Plemmirio Maritime Natural Reserve A zone. This is an area which features some beautiful sea caves, however, the sea can be accessed only if escorted by a licentsed guide. The proposal includes a Scuba Diving Centre connected to a Learning Centre which offers tourists and locals the possibility to learn about and experience the richness of the local environment.
At the lowest part of the cliff, the proposed path forms a Pier from which the sea excursions can take off. It when widens and swells, to generate the Scuba Diving and Learning Centre and the terrace in front of it.
Past the terrace, the route unfolds upwards on the rocks towards the Lighthouse and it widens into a square where a Restaurant and Summer Bar bring new life to the existing structures.
Past the lighthouse, it unwinds down the slope again towards north, where the cliff is higher and it projects off the cliff into a spectacular sea walk.
A few simple hotel bedrooms hanging off the rock face offer nature lovers the possibility to spend a few days and nights right on the edge between land and sea.
The path is always accessible and is designed to allow mobility impaired users to reach the various levels of the cliff.
The timber decking of the path and the rope texture used on the facades and balustrades are both natural materials suitable for a maritime environment which aim to blend the proposal into the landscape of the site.
The transparency of the rope balustrade reinforces the presence of the sea throughout the walk.
All plumbing and wiring will be accommodated in the path itself, minimising the need for excavations.
