UNREACHABLE PICTURESQUE

The view from the Corno Grande is stunning; however, getting all people up there is not an easy task. This project questions why these stunning sceneries are limited to only people who are fit enough to climb up the high and dangerous mountain. How can these mountain sceneries be accessible by anyone who can move?

The site selection begins by selecting an area that has a comparable view to the peak. The current condition of the pathway on the mountain is uneven with loose gravel and rocks as paving material.

On the very slope surface (70-130%), the ground is covered by just gravel which cannot adhere to the surface of a thick snow slab in winter. Therefore, an avalanche can occur easily from the seismic force since this area situates on the edges of two tectonic plates (Africa and Eurasian).

To address these difficulties, a stable path with accessible slope and avalanche protection has to be built from the Campo Imperatore hotel area to the proposed viewpoint.

Campo Imperatore Area

The rendered aerial perspective of Corno Grande area made using satellite imagery combined with DEM, rendered in Lumion and Photoshop.

The perspective looking from over 3000 metres above sea level to the east direction shows the path from a foot hill to the viewpoint. It also show an extensive field of Campo Imperatore, the tree mountain peaks, the coastal area covered by mist and the Ionian sea at the horizon.

Weather Matters

The area has been facing heavy amount of snowfall in the winter (December to March) which can cause up to 400 cm. of snow depth on the meadow area. On the other hand, the area in summer is covered by grassland and rocks. The average precipitation is minimal at around 20mm per month throughout a year.

To address these difficulties, a stable path with accessible slope and avalanche protection has to be designed from the Campo Imperatore hotel area to the proposed viewpoint.

Vegetations And Groundcovers

Due to the increasing temperature, some native plants of Corno Grande are likely to die out. As these plants and grasses have a tendency to retain snow to prevent avalanche, the thick layer of snow in the winter also protect these plants from frozen out in the freezing winter as well.

It is vital to consider the planting design to conserve the native species of this area to maintain biodiversity and balance of the site’s nature.

During the hike, hikers will see two types of the surfaces, rocks and grass. The flowers on the diagram above is commonly found growing on rocks and grass. The strategy of planting is to amplify the growth of these flowers in the area.

Proposed Site Plan

The project focuses on developing an existing pathway which is located on the hillside to be an accessible path for both non-hikers and disabled people who want to experience basic hiking and the stunning scenery of the Gran Sasso mountain.

SECTION E VIEWPOINT

SECTION C

SECTION B

SECTION D

SECTION A

Section A

Terrain Slope: 30-50%

Pathway Designs

The pathway consists of five types of intervention to deal with different slopes of the existing terrain. All of them are designed to support the activities of hikers. The joy of hiking is not only from gaining elevation uphill to take a natural view and fresh air but also from feeling different ground covers with different traction and sound.

Section B

Terrain Slope: 50-70%

Section C

Terrain Slope: 70-130% With Half Tunnel

TERRAIN CROSS-SECTION

The terrain cross-section shows the overall altitude of the area. The different altitude of the Campo Imporetore Hotel area and the proposed viewpoint indicates the elevation gain of the hike. It also illustrates the slope of the new pathway which is less steep and has a gradual incline compared to the existing pathway.

Section D

Terrain Slope: 50-70% With Crossing Platform

Section E

Terrain Slope: 50-70% With Switchback

Hiking For All

The hotel area connects to the trail network laid over the area of the Gran Sasso mountain. Although every path is connected to each other and the viewpoint, the difficulty is differently defined by types of groundcovers and steepness. The new path is the easiest route to walk.

The viewing platforms located along the path provide panoramic balconies looking to Campo Imperatore. The tunnel allows people to walk on the steep surface without worrying about rockfalls and avalanches. The new pathway composes of only gravel grids and limestone gravel to minimise the impact on nature.