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Urban Renewal of Trieste’s Porto Vecchio

The Port of Trieste is poised for a transformative shift and Deerns is contributing to this important urban renewal and regeneration project.  

The revitalisation of Porto Vecchio, a highly valued asset in the urban fabric of Trieste, will undoubtedly become an international benchmark for future projects of this nature.  

A multi-disciplinary consortium including Deerns Italia and led by Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia (AAF), have won a highly contested contract for the technical and economic feasibility design assignment to restore and rehabilitate four historic port buildings in the port. The structures carry historical and architectural significance, reflecting the industrial imperial era of nineteenth-century Europe and incorporate avant-garde structural and technological solutions.  

Breathing life into Porto Vecchio 

Giuseppe Dibari, Country Director, Deerns Italy, says, “We are particularly excited to be an integral part of this important heritage project primarily because it further consolidates our collaboration with Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia in realising projects which improve the quality of public buildings and shape the quality of public life.” 

Alfonso Femia, President of AAF says, “Trieste and its old port are one of the most interesting urban architecture experiences in Europe. We are extremely proud to be involved in this important project and to collaborate with the City of Trieste and the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.”  

The Municipality of Trieste initiated the Porto Vivo initiative to revive the port, connecting it to the rest of the city. The four refurbished buildings will accommodate the Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) regional offices, currently scattered across twelve locations throughout the city.  

The historic area was established by the Imperial Austrian Government between to enhance the capabilities of the Port of Trieste following the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. Progress in storage methods and cargo handling led to the demise of the area along with several northern Mediterranean ports struggling to adapt to evolving maritime trade requirements. 

A Consortium of over 600 Professionals 

The team of professionals assembled for the refurbishment project has 126 days to complete the first design stage. Deerns is contributing with the following services: 

  • Design of Mechanical Systems 
  • Acoustics 
  • Sustainability Consultancy 

Work is already well under way across the numerous disciplines. The first design stage will be followed by a tender for the assignment of the integrated contract, worth €104 million. Works are expected to be completed by 2027. 

The regeneration of Porto Vecchio marks a pivotal moment in the transformation of the Port of Trieste. Deerns is proud to be part of this heritage project. 

Let’s talk

Giuseppe Dibari

Country Director, Italy

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