In a world where architectural narratives often pivot on the grandiose and the new, Giacomo Borella’s design class presents a refreshing rebuttal at the Cortile Aquilone: an ode to the art of maintenance, repair, and the delicate reinvention of space. Nestled just steps away from the renowned Accademia di architettura in Mendrisio, behind the serene Villa Argentina garden, this formerly abandoned ruin owned by the municipality has transformed into a vibrant public space — thanks to the passion and ingenuity of its student creators.

During the autumn semester 2022, the atelier was dedicated to the reuse and transformation of this ruin. Students embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery. After meticulously clearing the site and studying its features, they designed and brought their vision to life, measuring their ambitions against the available resources and their own incipient construction skills. In this humane task, the students not only gave new life to a forgotten structure but also invited the community to participate in a celebration of shared space.

Waste materials as valuable resources

At the heart of this transformation is a large new awning, partially retractable and supported by existing structures and elegantly crafted to shelter the activities within the courtyard. The narrative found in the carefully chosen materials speaks volumes: the project was crafted almost exclusively from waste, with fragments of marble, discarded sails and sheets, gates, railings, and even leftover paint all collected locally. This approach required students to consistently engage with their environment, visiting the local dump — the Centro di Recupero Puricelli of Riva San Vitale — almost daily, turning what might seem like waste materials into valuable resources. Among the few new materials were black locust and chestnut timber, sourced locally and milled on-site, rooted firmly in the surrounding ecosystem.

The embodied spirit of this project resonates in its ingenuity and ecological sensitivity. Rainwater collected from the awning cascades into an existing brick tank, now transformed into a fountain, whose interior is lined with cocciopesto — a harmonious blend of hydraulic lime and terracotta powder made by grinding fragments of roof tiles unearthed during the renovation. This fountain is more than an ornamental feature; it breathes life through a thoughtful selection of aquatic plants, creating a small ecosystem that thrives on the principles of balance and sustainability. The gushing waterfall, driven by pedalling bicycles reminiscent of the Japanese shishi-odoshi, showcases the seamless interaction between people and nature.

Beyond mere construction

Every aspect of the project — each piece of paving, each cascading droplet of water — serves as a reminder of the past while fostering an inclusive environment for the present. The remnants of roof tiles ground into terracotta gravel create pathways, guiding visitors through an evolving landscape of reclamation and community engagement.

In this intricate dance of creativity, students also navigated the planning permission process. Melding theoretical knowledge with practical application formed an integral part of their learning experience. The project, a labour of collaboration, encapsulates the essence of architectural practice today — where the act of building extends beyond mere construction to embrace the stories interwoven within positions of place, community, and the environment.

In the spring semester of 2024, the atelier returned to the Cortile Aquilone with continuous purpose, embracing the delicate art of repair and reinvention. The practical aim is clear: to restore the space within one semester and create a more welcoming and enduring form. Vandalized and scarred, the cortile stands as a testament to both neglect and potential. Students observe, measure and redesign its elements with care, learning from past mistakes and mending what is broken, all while imagining new possibilities.

But this endeavour transcends mere restoration. The atelier has conceived a new wooden roof, crafted from the timber frame of a demolished house from Mendrisio, the structure represents a complex and intricate strategy of reuse, where each wooden piece is meticulously assembled to form a stable and resilient whole. The roof, covered in white and blue painted tiles, illustrates the playful spirit of the students who discreetly adorned each tile with traditional motifs. The whimsical roof shelters the cortile, its childlike charm infusing the space with a sense of joy and renewal.

An act of love

As we journey through this era of environmental urgency and cultural rebirth, the Cortile Aquilone emerges as a poignant reminder of what architecture can be: a living testament to our shared histories and aspirations. It invites us to reflect on our relationship with our surroundings, urging us to move beyond a narrative of consumption and toward one of recovery and coexistence.

As the students embark on this transformative journey, their project speaks to a profound understanding of architecture — not as an isolated act of building, but as an act of love — a labour of imagination and care where every repair and reinvention sings the stories of the past while reaching, ever so gently, toward the future. In this embrace of old and new, the Cortile Aquilone is reborn, ready to shelter the laughter of children, the murmurs of friends, and the quiet moments of reflection that define our humanity.

Sadly, the Cortile Aquilone’s current state is far from the romantic vision once imagined. Without recognition, care, or institutional responsibility, the space has been left vulnerable to vandalism and the destructive forces of weather. In the search for belonging, the absence of clear ownership — whether private or communal — has led to its neglect.

Yet, hope remains. As a work in progress, the Cortile still holds great potential for renewal. I look forward to seeing how Atelier Borella might breathe new life into the space once again.