A new avant-garde project in Bologna

In the heart of Bologna’s university district, the Risorgimento project makes a bold visual statement with its articulated, dynamic sculptural form – the result of irregular geometric volumes that offer a contemporary take on “béton brut”. It is immediately apparent that this is a project with a distinctive new vision.

The original building was demolished and rebuilt to make room for seven light-filled apartments, each featuring generous outdoor spaces and sweeping views of the city. Designed by Antonio Iascone & Partners between 2023 and 2024, the building is integrated into the urban fabric with an assertive yet measured language, engaging with its historic surroundings through a contemporary aesthetic that prioritises materiality, light and depth.

Exposed concrete surfaces are treated as sculptural elements, lending the complex a strong identity, while the articulation of the façades breaks up the rigidity of the volume, creating an image that shifts according to the viewer’s perspective. Meticulous attention to detail and high-quality finishes are among the hallmarks of the project. Material selection here is more than just an aesthetic choice; it is fundamental to creating atmospheres that align with the overarching architectural spirit.

Within this context, the use of premium ceramic surfaces plays a decisive role. This is exemplified by the Costum collection from Cercom (80×180 and 80×80 cm, 20 mm thickness) and the Infinity collection from Cercom with Damasco inserts (60×120 cm, 9.5 mm thickness). Selected for the living areas, kitchens and bedrooms, these collections interpret the character of hand-worked concrete – enhancing subtle imperfections and tonal nuances across every slab.

Complementing these finishes is the Fossil collection from Serenissima (specifically the Inserto Gold Piombo variant, 60×120 cm, 9.5 mm thickness). This elegant surface – used across the living areas, bathrooms and bedrooms – draws inspiration from fossilised stone and natural traces shaped by time. Its intricate veining and tonal variations enhance the interior design language, offering a sophisticated contemporary vision of ceramics.

The material composition is rounded off by the Temper collection from Cercom in the Frost and Bamboo Silver variants (60×120 cm, 9.5 mm thickness), paired with the Weld Silver insert (30×30 cm). Inspired by oxidised metals and featuring warm, rust-toned hues, the collection evokes the concept of “tempering”, a transformative process that imparts strength and resistance.

The clean-lined openings are emphasised by solar shading systems with integrated insect screens. These 130 external roller blinds were selected by the architects at the very start of the design process. Residenze Risorgimento is a high-profile project where architecture and materials engage in a conscious dialogue – a contemporary building that is instantly recognisable and firmly rooted in the present.