fronte mare: an urban regeneration project that animates a mining village in sardinia

Sardinia’s Small Mining Village Awakens with Fronte Mare

Situated in the picturesque maritime setting of Argentiera, Fronte Mare takes shape as a vibrant public space. Designed by MAR-Miniera Argentiera, the project covers an area exceeding 500 square meters and has been designed to encourage social interaction, recreation, and cultural activities. The initiative involves the creation of flexible furnishings and features a colorful public artwork by artists Tellas and 2bleene. Fronte Mare’s creation is part of an ongoing effort to revitalize the small mining village in Sardinia. It is the result of a collaborative urban renewal project initiated by the Italy-based architecture studio in partnership with LandWorks, the Municipality of Sassari, and various public and private contributors, including professionals, artists, students, and children.

all images by Andrea Maspero, unless stated otherwise

breathing new life into a historic mining village in sardinia

The revitalization of Argentiera began in 2019 with the opening of an open-air museum and cultural center by MAR-Miniera Argentiera (see more here). Led by LandWorks, this initiative aims to preserve the historical heritage of the area and repurpose abandoned or neglected spaces within the village for cultural activities, benefiting both the local community and the surrounding region. Fronte Mare, offering a view of the sea, represents the latest step in the ongoing transformation of Argentiera, reflecting the region’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing a more vibrant future.

The project aims to revitalize a neglected area situated in the heart of the village along via Carbonia. This road connects Camillo Marchese square to the sea, offering a view of the old warehouses and the former cinema, remnants of the village’s mining past. Positioned at the far end of this axis, the project serves as a bridge between the village and the sea, providing an opportunity to reconfigure the connection between the maritime and terrestrial environments.

a versatile space designed for play, social interaction, and cultural activities

Fronte Mare has been conceived as a ‘cultural dock,’ featuring a set of wooden urban furniture pieces that are movable and adaptable. These structures serve as seating for the public or as platforms for artists. The furniture was crafted during ‘construction workshops,’ involving more than 100 volunteers under the guidance of LandWorks. The project actively engaged the local community, as well as students, creatives, and young professionals from various parts of the world, who were invited to design and construct these structures. The finishing touch involved children painting these creations.

Furthermore, the artists Tellas (Fabio Schirru) and 2bleene (Natalia Nicole Rodriguez) contributed an artistic installation. This installation, characterized by shades of blue and ochre, resembles a theatrical backdrop on both the floor and walls. It acts as a creative connection between the sea, land, and sky, defining the area dedicated to cultural and sports activities. On one side, it highlights the architectural features of the former warehouses that once stored mining materials, while on the other, it outlines the boundaries of basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts, emphasizing the role of play as a central community and social activity.

The project’s versatile and temporary design allows for a variety of cultural and recreational activities, such as theater and music performances, film festivals, and sports events. It is an open, inclusive, and accessible space dedicated to entertainment and play while also honoring and celebrating the region’s historical heritage.

image by Giovanni Emilio Galanello