Studio Fuksas, led by Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, with the Slovenian architect Sandi Pirs, won a competition to design a tower that will rise in the coastal panorama of Koper, Capodistria in Slovenia.

Called Capo Grande Tower, the tower, reaching a total of 111 meters, will link the Giusterna beach to Monte San Marco. The new tower is comprised of a double ellipse structure which is slightly inclined towards the sea and aimed to overcome the vertical height difference with a total height of about 111 meters.

Considered to become "a new symbolic element of the city", the structure - made of the double ellipse reaching out to the sky represents, refers to the two cultures - Italian and Slovenian - that coexist in the city of Koper and throughout the coastline.

"A sort of "Tower of Peace" between East and West. During the evening time, the two intertwining spirals will be illuminated, and at the top united to create a thin beam of light of hope, hovering over the sea and the city," said Studio Fuksas in its project brief.

"The position, essentially upon the sea, will make the structure not only a practical means for residents to pass from Giusterna to Monte San Marco and vice versa, but also a unique tourist attraction." 

"Next to the tower there is a panoramic area conceived as a large platform called "Capo Grande" and is intended to accommodate bars and restaurants and to be a meeting point for both residents and tourists. Capo Grande can be reached via a 100-meter long covered bridge, clad by glass walls, so as to allow ones view to extend towards the bay and the Slovenian hinterland," added the firm.

The Capo Grande Tower will also be used for various recreational activities, as well as assisting residents in overcoming the steep cliff that separates the sea from the hill. For example, the tower will feature slides, climbing walls and bungee-jumping areas. At the base of the tower, a play area will be offered for children.

As a whole, this project will re-qualify the entire surrounding area and contribute in making the city as effervescent as the neighboring city of Trieste.

All images © Archivio Fuksas

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