La Pista

La Pista is a complex consisting of two new buildings and the old Alfa Romeo racing test track, today used for presenting cars and organising driving courses.
Known locally as “i sassi” [the stones], due to their irregular, rounded shape inspired by the pebbles of a stream, the two buildings are developed over three storeys above ground.
On its ground floor the smaller stone, located to the north, hosts the headquarters and offices of ACI Vallelunga, while on the first floor there are four classrooms, which are reconfigurable thanks to mobile walls. The larger stone has an exhibition-museum vocation: both levels are open plan, devoted to the presentation of exhibitions and displays associated with the world of engines. On the roofs of both there are panoramic terraces used for events.
The supporting skeleton is composed of a central reinforced concrete volume and a Glulam perimeter structure. This structure continues beyond the façades with wooden arches that are joined to the roof, forming the portico covering the terraces. A continuous glass and aluminium façade closes off the perimeter of the ground floor, while the upper portion is characterised by a shell that alternates between transparent double glazing and boxed aluminium elements. The panelled appearance recalls the chequered flag of motor races, but this skin is intended to be a solid and stable symbol to promote road safety. The covering goes up to the roof, where it becomes a parapet for the terrace.
The two buildings are arranged like a fan around a piazza paved with Luserna stone, which is used to welcome visitors and to host events. The covered pedestrian corridor that connects the first floors is supported by a deck to mark the passage between the automobile track and the piazza. To the north-east, the stones overlook the Lura stream, which has been upgraded and renatured.