abstract

the piscina mirabilis is a roman cistern in the municipality of bacoli on the gulf of naples. it was built under emperor augustus in the 1st century ad inside a tufa hill;

the well-preserved cistern measures around 72m x 27m and the space is characterized by a regular grid of columns and arches with vaults. this serves as the starting point for the design. by defining main and secondary axes, the grid is divided into exhibition areas and areas for the course. building on this system, a support system is generated that, in addition to the aspect of statics, also takes on the task of framing the exhibits.