Colossal Green Volcano Rises In Italy

September 24, 2009 6:28 PM

"A jaw-dropping feat of architecture has risen in the Italian city of Nola, just a stone’s throw away from the cataclysmic Mt. Vesuvius. Designed by Renzo Piano, Vulcano Buono is an epic cone-shaped commercial center crowned with a gorgeous sloping green roof. Piano’s 'good volcano' contributes a vital new space to the southern edge of the Nola commercial district, which is the most most important freight terminal complex in southern and central Italy."
posted by mr_crash_davis mark II: Jazz Odyssey (20 comments total)

Do they validate parking?
posted by Joe Beese at 6:30 PM on September 24, 2009

Looks pretty cool...from the air. From the ground...not so much.
posted by DU at 6:38 PM on September 24, 2009

I can't imagine anything worse than being the guy who has to mow the skyscraper.
posted by Avenger at 6:39 PM on September 24, 2009

Reminds me of a Lee Bontecou "eye-socket".
posted by HP LaserJet P10006 at 6:47 PM on September 24, 2009

I was fully prepared to be underwhelmed, but I love it, without reservation.
posted by davejay at 6:50 PM on September 24, 2009

I was there about a year ago and, well maybe its teething problems have been fixed, but at that point, quite soon after it opened, it was looking pretty shoddy up close - poor detailing, poor workmanship, dead vegetation on the roof. The stores were nice, and it had some interesting bits inside, but it was almost empty, I think it was a Friday afternoon- the exurbs of Naples aren't really lacking in malls and big box stores and I wonder if there really is a market for another one.
The most obvious blunder (though it ties right into the volcano idea) is that all of the HVAC - massive air conditioners - is right inside the cone and directed into what might otherwise be an enjoyable, useful piazza if not for these incredibly loud fans over your head. Plus the security guard stopping you from taking pictures.
I must say though, it does look awfully good in that top picture, and I guess that counts for something. I'm glad that they built it, but I think it could be improved.
posted by Flashman at 6:56 PM on September 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

Grumio is pleased.
posted by adipocere at 7:06 PM on September 24, 2009

i'm looking forward to the nevada sietch myself.
posted by kliuless at 7:21 PM on September 24, 2009 [3 favorites]

I don't care for it at all. As much as the structure itself is fantastic, there's a huge mall parking lot on the periphery.
posted by letitrain at 7:22 PM on September 24, 2009

Mocking the Fates ... Great idea; what could possibly go wrong?
posted by ZenMasterThis at 7:27 PM on September 24, 2009

Grumio is pleased.

Caecilius est in Hot Topic.
posted by dersins at 9:00 PM on September 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

It's nice to see the hitherto overlooked discipline of volcano-in-a-parking-lot architecture finally getting the recognition it deserves.
posted by rhymer at 3:08 AM on September 25, 2009

Ah, I see the Tyrell Corporation is getting a jump start on their pyramid.
posted by pyrex at 3:32 AM on September 25, 2009

Makes me think its an early version of Lord Dread's evil HQ.
posted by samsara at 6:09 AM on September 25, 2009

I can see where there might be problems with this, but I heartily applaud the fact that they DESIGNED a goddamn building, instead of just calling up central casting. Good on you, Nola. Next time I'm in the neighborhood Imma get an Orange Julius.
posted by dirtdirt at 6:20 AM on September 25, 2009

"A jaw-dropping feat of architecture has risen in the Italian city of Nola, just a stone’s throw away from the cataclysmic Mt. Vesuvius.

Too soon.
posted by ericbop at 7:11 AM on September 25, 2009

When that caldera blows, will Euros, rather than burning ash, fall on Pompeii?
posted by Danf at 7:52 AM on September 25, 2009 [2 favorites]

Great, something else to generate more development and thus more refugees when Vesuvius inevitably reminds everyone whose boss.
posted by Blasdelb at 7:56 AM on September 25, 2009

> Mocking the Fates ... Great idea; what could possibly go wrong?
> posted by ZenMasterThis at 10:27 PM on September 24 [+] [!]

Signor Piano wouldn't even have to read it in English to get a clue.
posted by jfuller at 9:05 AM on September 25, 2009

cos e' pazz. anyway, the concept it's a lot more awesome of the building itself: it looks especially normal and boring and the inside it's basically your average mall... so much that the whole thing reminded me of the Willamette Mall, with a central open area full of zombies surrounded by shops (actually.. no zombies around, just tamarri).

Oh, btw, announced with grand fanfare by the left-wing administration of Campania, the whole thing is getting mauled to death by the competition of other malls in the area. Bigger places with more shops and with cheaper prices.

I've also heard it was built on a big mountain of trash, but I can't swear on that.
posted by darkripper at 4:14 PM on September 26, 2009