Between Rome and Naples, where the limestone hills meet the azure coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, lies Gaeta - a city steeped in history, yet still searching for its modern rhythm. At its heart, right on the border of the picturesque Monte Orlando park, isa former monastery complex whose walls remember the 15th century. It was this place that set the stage for a new architectural project aimed at restoring life to the forgotten space and transforming it into a cultural center open to people, art and shared experience. The project, prepared as part of a thesis at the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology by Laura Maroń and Konrad Kruczek, was created under the supervision of Dr. Teresa Adamczyk-Bomersbach, and is a proposal for revitalizing a building that has served many functions over the centuries.
top view
© Laura Maroń, Konrad Kruczek
site and potential analysis
The site was originally the seat of the Dominican order, with St. Dominic's Church as the centerpiece of the establishment. In the 19th century it was converted into a military barracks, and its sacred identity was lost. It was not until 2014 that it was recognized as a monument of exceptional historical and artistic significance, paving the way for its rediscovery. It was in this context that the Porto Culturale project was born - a cultural haven that combines exhibition, performance and integration functions.
The design process began with an in-depth analysis of the space and its surroundings. The location, although extremely attractive in landscape terms, suffers from a shortage of cultural infrastructure. Existing services do not meet the needs of a rapidly growing community, and the mere presence of Monte Orlando Park and its green spaces only emphasizes the potential of the site. The historical analysis made it possible to capture the transformations that the building has undergone over the centuries, while the architectural valorization made it possible to identify both the strengths of the building and its technical and functional limitations.
elevation
© Laura Maroń, Konrad Kruczek
new functions in old walls
The project adoptedthe principle of minimal interference with the historic structure. Where possible, the original walls were preserved, avoiding demolition. New elements of door and window woodwork were proposed, the roof was restored, and the whole composition was enriched with modern, but subtle in form, additions. Exhibition spaces were planned on the first floor to serve both local artists and guest exhibitions. A bistro with a terrace overlooking the courtyard was placed in the immediate vicinity, creating a place for informal meetings and relaxation. The courtyard gained a new identity with a central fountain and a representative staircase that leads to the upper floor.
The first floor includes spaces to support artistic and social activities - an open pub, a rehearsal room, a costume studio and administrative facilities. It is here that rehearsals, workshops and the daily work of artistic teams are to take place.
The staircase leading to the upper floor
© Laura Maroń, Konrad Kruczek
The most important element of the premise became the newly designed auditorium - autonomous, yet organically connected to the historic building. Its form was designed using glulam construction, resulting in a large span, high space and soft, warm acoustics. The auditorium is accessible through three glazed connectors placed on different levels, enriching the user experience and emphasizing the connection between old and new. Additional emergency exits and a foyer provide comfort and safety for both audiences and event organizers.
auditorium
© Laura Maroń, Konrad Kruczek
meeting place, space of the future
Porto Culturale is not just an adaptation of a building - it is a manifesto of the idea that forgotten spaces can become important again. The project combines respect for history with the need for contemporary expression. It not only protects the heritage, but gives it new life, transforming the monastery walls into a living, pulsating fabric of urban culture. In this way, Gaeta gains not only a revitalized monument, but also a tool for real transformation - a place where the past meets the present, and art becomes accessible and close to everyone.
