Macs . Ravenna

A Landmark of Simplicity and Innovation The MACS, designed by ETB in collaboration with Patscheider & Partner, is an event building that stands prominently along the northern quay of the Ravenna dock. This project is integral to the urban regeneration of the waterfront, a process that involves the revitalization of former industrial spaces and the introduction of new architectural forms. The MACS is characterized by its simple, compact volume, which harmonizes with the fragmented morphology of the dock through its formal clarity and material unity. The building's essential geometry renders it a recognizable landmark within the urban landscape. It engages in a measured dialogue with the existing Port Authority headquarters, reinterpreting the base–upper body composition and central void to create a unifying element. While the existing structure frames views towards the water, the MACS reverses this perspective, opening its central void towards the city, thus offering panoramic views and establishing itself as a discreet urban beacon. The tension between the building's volumetric simplicity and the monumental presence of its central void imbues it with symbolic significance. At night, the MACS transforms into an urban lantern, illuminating the dock and symbolizing openness towards the city. Inside, the layout is designed for flexibility, featuring a large multipurpose hall for events and conferences, marked by spatial and material continuity. The façade is clad with high-performance precast concrete panels in a regular 40×40 cm modular grid. This modularity ensures cost efficiency, rapid installation, and high technical performance, while the sculptural texture provides a compact and contemporary identity. The MACS thus stands as a strategic element in Ravenna’s waterfront transformation, bridging the port's historical memory with its future.

Design Highlights

Simple, compact volume engaging with the dock's fragmented morphology Central void offering panoramic views towards the city High-performance precast concrete panel façade Flexible interior layout for multipurpose use Symbolic urban lantern effect at night

Key Facts