historic park “Villa Argentina”, Mendrisio, Ticino, Switzerland
client preliminary project 2013 surface
committee for the protection and preservation of the Villa Argentina30 000 m
The ad-hoc and non political Committee for the preservation and restoration of the park of the Villa Argentina provided us with a mandate to elaborate a preliminary project for the restoration and preservation of the park and to investigate solutions for a possible connection between history and the present for the contemporary public use of the park. It is intended that the totality of the park with its enormous artistic, historical and ecological value should not be overwhelmed by the pressure of the adjoining residential areas. The project (1873) of Villa Argentina with its park is a significant work of the well known architect Antonio Croci (1823-84). The owner and client was Giovanni Bernasconi (1830-99), born in Mendrisio and emigrated in 1855 to Argentina where he made a fortune as entrepreneur. The building today is occupied by the academy of architecture of the University of the Italian Part of Switzerland. Today the park is in a bad shape and under continuous pressure from different political or economic interests. The protection and preservation of the entire park from any new building is essential to guarantee this jewel for future generations