Valorizing the past

Ephemeral green installations by Studio Ascenzi in the historic centre of Viterbo

Abstract

"San Pellegrino in Fiore" is a floricultural event held every spring in the historic centre of Viterbo, renowned for its longstanding contribution to cultural and urban enhancement. The 2024 edition, curated by architect Raffaele Ascenzi and his team, featured an ephemeral green installation inspired by Cosmatesque decorations and Renaissance gardens, intertwining tradition and innovation within the medieval urban fabric. The historic centre's unique squares and architectural landmarks were reinterpreted through a design language highlighting their historical significance. The project relied on using natural and recycled materials and employing construction techniques to ensure a responsible approach to resource management. The selection of plant species was guided by criteria of climatic adaptability and low environmental impact, supported by an in-depth study of the botanical heritage of the Tuscia region. Through its historical references, the intervention demonstrated how the ephemeral can become a design choice capable of addressing contemporary needs for enhancing the built environment while maintaining a dialogue with the past. The result was a project that harmonized tradition, aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, opening new perspectives for the temporary transformation of public spaces and the innovative valorization of cultural heritage.