Giglio Campese Waterfront Square Renovation

On the western coast of the Isola del Giglio, the settlement of Giglio Campese has recently completed the renovation of its central square, a key public space directly facing one of the island’s widest beaches. The intervention replaces a previously asphalted surface with a new pedestrian piazza, redefining both the image and the use of this coastal area.

Delivered in nine months with an overall investment of €1.2 million, the project focuses on the reorganization of the ground as its primary design tool.

The removal of asphalt marks a clear shift in the hierarchy of the space, from vehicular surface to civic platform.

A new paving system, articulated through three distinct typologies, structures the square and introduces different ways of inhabiting it. Rather than relying on physical separations, the design uses material variation to suggest multiple paths and areas of use, maintaining continuity across the site.

The square maintains a direct relationship with the beach, preserving openness and visual continuity towards the sea.

This proximity defines both its identity and its function, positioning the piazza as an extension of the coastal landscape and as a central point for daily and seasonal activities. The intervention does not impose a dominant formal gesture; instead, it works through clarity and legibility, allowing the space to remain adaptable and easily appropriated.

Urban furniture contributes to the definition of the space without interrupting its continuity.

White concrete seating elements, the Makatite and Anastasio benches by Metalco, are distributed across the square as fixed yet flexible points of use. Planters introduce Mediterranean vegetation, adding a natural component that complements the mineral character of the paving.

Shading structures, planters and seats, part of the Alterego collection by Metalco, are installed to improve comfort during periods of intense solar exposure.

Made of painted steel and white HPC, these elements provide shelter while maintaining a light visual presence, ensuring that views towards the sea remain unobstructed.

Lighting further supports the usability of the square beyond daytime hours, reinforcing its role as a central gathering space.

The intervention, while measured in its formal expression, significantly updates the perception of Giglio Campese, aligning its public realm with its importance as one of the island’s main tourist destinations.