BANK OF ITALY BRANCH MURAL
CATANIA (CT)
The intervention, concluded successfully, involved the creation of a mural on the facade of the Catania branch of the Bank of Italy, located on the corner of via Carlo Sada and via Luigi Sturzo. The work, entrusted to the artist Chiara Capobianco, known for her unique style that blends figurative and abstract elements, extends over a surface area of approximately 700 m2 of the external walls of the building's tower. The actual state of the external walls, in exposed reinforced concrete, presented some critical issues. Parts of the surface concrete were unsafe and needed removal to ensure the safety of the building. Furthermore, there were traces of previous painting interventions which required careful paint stripping.
Service
Final and executive project, CSP , CSE, DL
Location
Catania (CT)
Client
Bank of Italy
Surface area
700 m2
Renovation
Type
Status
Accomplished
Before proceeding with the creation of the mural, it was necessary to carry out a restoration and rehabilitation of the wall facing. The unsafe concrete parts were removed, the reinforcing bars were brushed and treated with a two-component cement-polymer based anti-corrosion product. Subsequently, the cover was reconstructed with a single-component thixotropic premixed mortar fibre-reinforced with “R4” type polyvinyl alcohol fibres. Once the preparation of the walls was completed, we proceeded with the creation of the actual mural. Chiara Capobianco used photocatalytic paints, also known as "smog eaters", which contribute to improving the quality of the surrounding air thanks to their ability to absorb and neutralize air pollutants.
An explosion of colors and shapes that celebrates Catania and its history, regenerating the urban environment through art and technology.
The mural's design, characterized by organic shapes and bright colors, represents an artistic interpretation of the Sicilian landscape and its rich history. The work fits harmoniously into the surrounding urban context, enhancing the building and the entire area. To ensure correct use of the work even at night, a dedicated lighting system was created. Ten high-efficiency LED lighting fixtures, each 110W, were positioned at the top of the building's elevations. The arrangement of the lighting fixtures was designed to ensure uniform lighting and best enhance the colors and shapes of the mural.
The system is also designed for the insertion of a DALI gateway, which will allow the regulation of the luminous flux and switch-on times. The entire intervention, from the preparation of the walls to the creation of the mural and the lighting system, was carried out in compliance with current regulations regarding safety and environmental protection. Cutting-edge techniques and materials were used to guarantee the durability of the work and its resistance to atmospheric agents. The mural represents a significant addition to the artistic heritage of the city of Catania. The work, thanks to its beauty and originality, is destined to become a point of reference for the local community and an attraction for tourists. Furthermore, the use of photocatalytic paints actively contributes to improving air quality, demonstrating the commitment to environmental sustainability.
Gallery
