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ARC3501 ADVANCED STUDIES IN ARCHITECTURE - CARRARA 

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The province of Carrara is located within the Tuscan region of Italy and is built on the natural formation of marble. Dating back to 155 BC the area has been dependent on the territory of the Apuan Alps for the exportation and production of marble. The case study involves focusing on the provocative qualities of marble with its tendency to reflect and diffuse light. The quarry formations sharp shadows from the shear wall cuts produce unique dynamic atmospheres. The vein texture found within the marble correlates to the ‘value’ and purity of the marble extracted. The less veins, its level of purity increases and therefore the higher its value. 

When proceeding up towards the quarries, the production and transportation of the marble carried through the town is concealed and there is no opportunity to view and understand a pivotal aspect of the operations of Carrara. A series of interventions which splay and scatter from the top of the excavation point through the production line and town to the port, would form a purposeful apparatus in order to highlight the significance of the mines on the whole township and area.

This project was completed with Ayden Fiore.

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SOUND QUALITIES

MARBLE

VEINS

LIGHT QUALITIES

TOWN 

RELATIONSHIPS

ARTISAN

TRANSPORT

EXTRACTION

EXPORTATION

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