"How can architecture reconnect humanity with nature, fostering a harmonious relationship between the two?", this fundamental question serves as the guiding principle behind Ispace, a visionary project seamlessly integrating art and architecture in the heart of Rossa, nestled within the enchanting Calanca Valley, Switzerland. Architect Davide Macullo’s profound exploration of the interplay between humanity and its natural surroundings has given rise to eight timber pavilions, each a testament to the power of collective effort and the community’s dedication to cultivating a harmonious living environment.

In a quest to delve into the soul of Rossa and its people, Ispace beckons visitors to wander through lush woods, inviting them to discover the rich biodiversity and the magical corners that hide within. STIR unfolds the narrative of the community architecture project, exploring the roots of its inception, the symbiotic relationship between the locals and the project and the deep impact it continues to have on cultural identity and heritage of the Calanca region.

At the core of Macullo’s philosophy lies the belief that architecture serves as the link between a place’s DNA and its future. The studio’s work is a testament to the transformative power of architectural lines, which once drawn and realised, infuse spaces with reason, passion and joy. This approach promises a continuous sense of discovery and wonder throughout the life of the inhabitants.

The inception of Ispace finds its roots in the connection between individuals and space. Stemming from the architect’s studies under Professor Luis Flotron in the 1980s, the project draws inspiration from Flotron’s unrealised Game of the Dove. This labyrinthine concept, with its three levels, aimed to guide visitors through the spaces that mirrored psychological states. Revitalised in Rossa, the timber architecture project now bears the name Ispace, fusing Italian and English to underscore its universal message of peace, rhythm and personal space. Macullo’s vision is encapsulated in his statement, “The future of architecture lies in attending justly to the psychology of space and caring for the health of man, making him feel part of nature despite his removal from it”.

Ecology, encompassing a wide spectrum of considerations, is the guiding principle for integrating the project into its context. Beyond geographical and climatic factors, the Swiss architecture project takes into account the historical, economic and political dimensions of sustainable growth. Ispace is not an isolated endeavour but an integral part of the broader Rossa project, initiated in 2017 with the construction of Swiss House Sinusoide in collaboration with conceptual artist Daniel Buren. The project, supported by the Rosse Arte Foundation, the municipality of Rossa, and the Swiss National Park Val Calanca, was conceived to foster cultural and economic growth within the region.

The engagement of the local population, institutions, and the Swiss National Park has been instrumental in shaping the contours of Ispace. The pavilions, constructed with Larch trees cut on-site from ancient agricultural terraces, embody a commitment to sustainability, ecological balance and a deep understanding of the historical landscapes of Rossa. The involvement of the community goes beyond mere endorsement; it extends to the physical construction of the pavilions, with local families and children working hand in hand to bring these structures to life.

The intimate involvement of the community goes beyond the initial construction phase. The pavilions are not merely architectural artefacts but living spaces, utilised for diverse activities such as dance, yoga, meetings and moments of quiet reflection. Their role extends to becoming a catalyst for conversation, a place where strangers and locals connect, bridging languages and creating a sense of unity. Ispace acts as a cultural meeting point, connecting individual municipalities and playing a pivotal role in inter-communal relations within the valley.

Beyond the physical and communal spaces, the project serves as a beacon, drawing international visitors curious about the extraordinary valley. It becomes a testament to the universal language of art, architecture and nature. As a dynamic and evolving part of the Rossa project, these pavilions are not static entities but living expressions of a community's commitment to its future. The pavilion’s installation, carried out by hand due to the inaccessible terrain, deepens the community’s sense of ownership of the project. 

The choice of using larch trees on-site serves as a poignant symbol of the project’s commitment to sustainability. Harvested from ancient terraces as a part of an ongoing archaeological restoration project, the wood represents a cyclical and recycled material, deeply rooted in the history of the village. The decision reflects an acute awareness of the environment and a desire for the architects to use materials that evoke the spirit of the landscape. The architect’s collaboration with the local forest ranger, who not only cut the trees but actively participated in selecting the locations for the pavilions, exemplifies the holistic approach to sustainable architecture. This process, guided by a woodsman-philosopher intimately connected to the land, elevates the project beyond physical structure to an embodiment of ecological consciousness.

With its geometric forms nestled in the woods, the pavilions become a sanctuary for introspection and connection with nature. Free from the hustle of modern life, these spaces offer refuge, a place to slow down and recalibrate one’s senses. Through thoughtful consideration of light and space, the project enhances the visitor’s emotional and psychological well-being, acting as a counterbalance to the anxieties of contemporary existence. “We live today in spaces where we don’t feel at ease, we are continually preoccupied, pressured by the speed and complexities of life. We don’t realise how fundamental the quality of our spaces is for our health. The Ispace project counters modern anxieties and is part of the wider socio-sanitary trend that goes beyond the treating and prevention of sickness”, the Swiss architect tells STIR.

Light plays a crucial role in the pavilion design, with natural illumination shaping the visitor experience. The pavilions are designed to capture the rise and fall of the sun, emulating light conditions found in the natural landscape. This intentional use of light by the architects contributes to the overall goal of creating spaces that resonate with the surrounding environment.

In navigating through the pavilions, our physical journey becomes an integral part of the immersive experience, awakening both the body and the mind. The interplay of light and the passage of time transforms us from passive observers to engaged peripatetics, with an inherent epistemological role embedded in the structures. Amidst the relentless pace of modern life, characterised by speed, technology and agitation, Ispace serves as a sanctuary, offering a space to decelerate. Here, the profound connection to nature unfolds through the poetry of the trees, presenting a manifesto that transcends physics, philosophy and psychology. Displaced in the serene woods, our senses transition from being assaulted to being gently massaged, providing respite from the overwhelming urban culture.

Ispace stands as a testament to the cultural identity and heritage of Rossa and the wider Val Calanca region. The Rossa project, with its multifaceted interventions, celebrates the historical fabric of the valley, from the archaeological excavation of XVI-century agricultural terraces to the renovation of historical buildings and the Calanca Art Biennale. Each gesture is an homage to the valley’s rich history and a commitment to sustainable growth. The interventions are not imposed but emerge from a deep understanding of the valley’s spirit, echoing Bruno Munari’s belief that “civilised people live in the midst of their art”. Rossa, perched at 1100 metres, becomes a canvas where architecture and art interlace with the stones that have built homes and the stories that have shaped its civilisation.

Sharing with STIR his vision for these pavilions contributing to the cultural identity and heritage of Rossa, the conceptual artist says, “The project evolves with interventions that embody a spirit of happy survival, respect for the environment and people, sustainability and creative endurance. The goal is twofold; ecological, encompassing history, geography, climate, sociality, politics and human ecology, fostering a sense of belonging and well-being. The interventions aim to positively impact daily life, especially for children, as bearers of antibodies for the world’s civil growth”.

This community architecture project is not an endpoint but a preamble for the future. As the Rossa Project unfolds, the vision transcends physical constructions. It embraces a holistic approach to human ecology, aiming to create spaces that seamlessly integrate with the human experience. The architects envision a future where the very cells of our bodies adapt to our environments, where the boundaries between self and space blur.

Ispace and the Rossa project beckon us to reconsider our relationship with nature, urging us to become inhabitants rather than mere occupants of our surroundings. Through art and architecture, these interventions inspire a collective journey toward a more harmonious and sustainable existence. In Rossa, the pavilions emerge not as static monuments but as living symbols of a community’s resilience, a testament to the enduring connection between man and nature. As visitors meander through the woods and engage with these pavilions, they become participants in a timeless conversation about the essence of life, art and the link between humanity and its environment.

Project Details

Name: Ispace
Location: Rossa, Grisons, Switzerland
Function: Permanent timber installation
Construction: June 2023
Footprint: ca. 20 sqm x 8 installations
Material: Local larch timber
Architect: Davide Macullo
Design collaborators: Jung Kim, Lorenza Tallarini,
Aileen Forbes-Munnelly, Andrea Conti
Promotor:RossArte Foundation
Partners: Municipality of Rossa, Grisons,
Parco Val Calanca, Swiss Regional Nature Park
Fondazione Pro Calanca
Fondazione del bosco val Calanca
Azienda Forestale Calanca Interna
Timber Engineering + Frei Holzbau AG, Kriessern, St. Gallen,  Switzerland
construction