20 Dec Ex Telefoni di Stato: new space for culture among history and regeneration
It was 1966 and the Telefoni di Stato opened in Bolzano. Those who did not have a telephone at home were able to go to number 34 in Corso Italia and queue for a booth. Telephoning, communicating with those who were far away, became an important occasion. As times changed, the building became unnecessary and fell into disuse for over 20 years; until the birth – on the ground floor of the block – of DRIN, a co-working project for young people, an incubator of culture and creativity, promoted by the Province.
Recently, the history of the Ex Telefoni di Stato has opened up to further perspectives. For some months now, our studio has been involved in the regeneration project of the entire building, which with its five above-ground and two underground floors is preparing to become a new cultural centre that looks at South Tyrol, Italy and Europe. A multifunctional space – flexible and dynamic – designed to connect generations, art forms, creative impulses and citizenship! A new building where history remains an active and present frame, an expression of our historical memory. The telephones are gone but the desire to connect with the world, far and near, remains.