Casance: A Complete Guide to the Architecture Competition

Casance is an architectural design competition held in Italy with the objective of transforming an existing building into a modern, functional, and representative space. The competition stands out for its focus on young architects and its emphasis on adaptive reuse, functionality, and environmental integration.

This article provides a comprehensive explanation of Casance, covering its purpose, participants, design approach, winning project, and overall significance in the field of architecture.

What is Casance?

Casance is a design competition aimed at reimagining and renovating an existing structure. Rather than constructing a new building, participants were required to propose innovative ways to reuse and improve an already built environment.

The project was commissioned by ANCE (Associazione Nazionale Costruttori Edili), the Italian National Association of Building Contractors. The renovated structure is intended to function as:

• A guesthouse
• An institutional residence
• A venue for meetings and official events

This makes Casance not just an architectural exercise, but also a practical project with real-world use.

Objectives of the Casance Competition

The Casance competition was designed with several key objectives:

1. Adaptive Reuse of Existing Buildings

Instead of demolishing and rebuilding, the competition focused on:

• Preserving the existing structure
• Enhancing its usability
• Reducing environmental impact

2. Functional Space Planning

Participants were required to create designs that are:

• Efficient
• Practical
• Suitable for both private and public use

3. Architectural Innovation

The competition encouraged:

• Creative problem-solving
• Modern design approaches
• Integration of architecture with surroundings

4. Promotion of Young Talent

A defining feature of Casance is that participation was limited to architects under the age of 35. This ensured:

• Opportunities for emerging professionals
• Fresh perspectives in design

Participants and Eligibility

The competition was open exclusively to:

• Young architects and design teams
• Individuals under 35 years of age

This restriction played a significant role in shaping the outcome, as it brought forward innovative ideas driven by contemporary thinking and experimentation.

The Winning Project: Casa della Materia

The winning proposal of the Casance competition was submitted by Paros Architettura and titled “Casa della Materia” (House of Matter).

Reasons for Selection

The jury selected this project based on several criteria:

• Strong functional organization
• Clear spatial hierarchy
• Effective integration with the surrounding landscape
• Balanced relationship between interior and exterior spaces

Design Concept and Spatial Organization

One of the most important aspects of the winning Casance project is its logical division of space. The building is organized into three primary zones:

1. Public Area

This section is designed for:

• Meetings
• Events
• Institutional gatherings

It is open, accessible, and suitable for hosting visitors.

2. Semi-Public (Service) Area

This area includes:

• Support functions
• Operational spaces

It acts as a transition between public and private zones.

3. Private Area

Reserved for:

• Accommodation
• Personal use

This ensures privacy and comfort for residents and guests.

This structured zoning approach allows the building to serve multiple functions efficiently without overlap or conflict.

Integration with the Environment

A key feature of the Casance winning design is its connection with the surrounding environment.

Landscape Integration

• The design incorporates panoramic terraces
• Outdoor and indoor spaces are visually and functionally connected
• The building responds to its natural and urban context

Architectural Harmony

The project avoids imposing on the environment and instead:

• Blends with its surroundings
• Enhances the overall spatial experience

Other Recognized Projects

In addition to the winning proposal, several other projects received special mentions for their innovative approaches:

• Palimpsestus
• Uno spazio flessibile (A Flexible Space)
• Ibridare e integrare (Hybridize and Integrate)

These projects explored concepts such as:

• Flexibility in spatial design
• Layered architectural interventions
• Integration of multiple functions within a single structure

Features of Casance Designs

Across all submissions, several common architectural themes emerged:

• Efficient use of existing structures
• Clear separation of functional zones
• Emphasis on flexibility and adaptability
• Strong relationship between built and natural environments
• Contemporary design language

Facts and Figures

• Location: Italy
• Organizer: ANCE (Italian National Association of Building Contractors)
• Type: Architectural design competition
• Eligibility: Architects under 35 years
• Primary Objective: Renovation and adaptive reuse
• Winning Firm: Paros Architettura
• Winning Project: Casa della Materia

Importance of Casance in Architecture

1. Encouraging Sustainable Practices

By focusing on renovation instead of new construction, Casance promotes:

• Resource efficiency
• Reduced environmental impact
• Sustainable development

2. Supporting Emerging Architects

The competition provides:

• Visibility to young professionals
• Opportunities for career advancement
• A platform for innovation

3. Advancing Functional Design

The emphasis on usability ensures that:

• Designs are not only visually appealing
• But also practical and user-centered

4. Bridging Theory and Practice

Unlike conceptual competitions, Casance involves:

• Real-world application
• Practical constraints
• Functional outcomes

Simplified Explanation for Beginners

To understand Casance in simple terms, consider the following example:

An old building needs to be transformed into a modern space where people can stay, meet, and work. Instead of tearing it down, architects are asked to redesign it in a smart and efficient way. Young architects compete to present the best idea, and the most practical and creative design wins.

This is essentially what the Casance competition represents.

Conclusion

Casance is a significant architectural competition that highlights the importance of adaptive reuse, functional planning, and the role of young architects in shaping the future of the built environment.

The winning project, Casa della Materia, demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform an existing structure into a versatile and meaningful space. Through its focus on innovation, sustainability, and practicality, Casance serves as an important model for contemporary architectural practice.