After the sea storm of 2018 caused significant destruction, Rapallo has successfully restored its Porto Carlo Riva. The redevelopment project of Porto ‘Carlo Riva,’ managed by the Bizzi & Partners group, has revitalized Rapallo’s marina, reestablishing it as a key point in the Gulf of Tigullio after the storm’s devastation. This initiative was not just about rebuilding the breakwaters and facilities; it aimed to create a cutting-edge, safe, and sustainable port that addresses the future needs of boating and the local area.
The redevelopment included repairs to the jetties, renovation of shore facilities, and the establishment of commercial spaces and restaurants focused on nautical services, featuring modern amenities such as onboard delivery for yacht owners. The project’s goal was to create one of the most sophisticated and integrated ports in the Mediterranean, addressing the needs of boaters, residents, and international visitors alike.
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Club House’s swimming pool
A notable feature of the new port is the iconic La Torretta building, which houses O’Magazin al Porto, the third establishment launched by the Mussini family from Portofino in the Gulf of Tigullio, set to open in August 2024. This venue will offer ice-cream, an American bar, and restaurant services. The architectural design comes from Tectoo, with construction supervised by Savarese Costruzioni e Sales.
Ö Magazín Al Pörto
The defense structures, including a formidable 7-meter high breakwater wall, were completed by the end of 2022, providing protection that exceeds legal requirements.
Ö Magazín Al Pörto
Bizzi & Partners has transformed the Port of Rapallo into a center of excellence for the boating industry, providing a broad assortment of high-quality services, a Clubhouse, as well as prestigious retail and dining spaces, making it a key destination for boaters and superyachts.
Susanna Scarabicchi from the Tectoo studio, oversaw the redevelopment.
Susanna Scarabicchi ©Davide Galli Atelier
The project for redeveloping Porto Carlo Riva had to contend with the existing challenges, particularly the significant impact of the 2018 sea storm. How did this event shape the project, and what were the primary challenges faced?
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First and foremost was the urgency. There was a strong need to build the breakwater, which not only protects the port but also the town itself. We moved approximately 220 tonnes of materials to create structures that are mostly hidden, as only the breakwater is visible. Over 90 companies were involved, working concurrently in an area that we designed with robust defense structures that far exceed legal requirements.
We noticed that significant emphasis was placed on the outdoor areas of the buildings, with balconies and terraces in both the central pier and the Club House. This appears to encourage a real engagement with the port spaces rather than viewing them merely as transitional areas. Is that the intent?
Indeed, we have valued the existing volumes of the buildings to create accessible spaces that are open to the community; notably, it is one of the few marinas in the region to include pathways for the visually impaired.
As for the Torretta, it was demolished and rebuilt due to accessibility issues and non-compliance with safety standards. The design goal was to enhance the visibility of the water from the city and the city from the water, thus we created a transparent design that allows for visual connectivity north and south. When the port is fully operational, it will feature a clubhouse with services for both transient visitors and local residents. Overall, we aimed to create inclusive spaces for events, markets, and other activities, which were previously lacking. Our project seeks to promote pedestrian engagement with Porto Carlo Riva.
Lastly, you also revamped the parking area.
That’s correct. Previously, the access road was one-way, and the storage areas for sailing gear were inadequate due to humidity. Not all spaces were reconstructed, but we established a continuous pedestrian pathway and a two-lane road along the seawall, with several parking spots and benches. While the parking area has not been expanded, we redesigned it to create a new storage space. The parking areas are now better interconnected, featuring a lift and stairs leading down toward the shopping promenade.
Club House
Let’s explore some statistics: 113,535 m² – The area of the concession; approximately 70 million – The total cost of the port reconstruction; 7 meters – The height of the new breakwater wall; 1,600 – The number of 20-ton tetrapods in the new breakwater; 200,000 – The tons of reef material used for the new seawall; 50 – The total number of berths; 60 meters – The maximum length of boats that can dock; approximately 200 – The number of employees when the port operates at full capacity; approximately 80% – The port’s water needs that are met by recycled water from the city’s sewage treatment facility.
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