Pocket Sicily: between Myth and Topos

“Pocket Sicily: between Myth and Topos” is a low-impact botanic garden designed for the headquarter of SIFI Spa, a leading pharmaceutical company in ophthalmology.

The first-prize winning project is closely linked to the unique location of SIFI within the Etna Park. The territory of Mount Etna, with its regular, sometimes dramatic eruptions, has always been regarded as a veritable magical register of Sicilian folk beliefs. Surrounded by diverse landscape geographies, imbued with mythological traditions, the etnean context inspired the design manifestation of the educational and recreational objective, aligning with the competition theme “Keep Alive the Sense of Wonder”.

The project is rooted in the restitution of the folkloric panorama of the place, and at the same time, provides a reduced, “pocket” version of the great Sicilian plant variety.

The botanical richness of the Sicilian region has arranged a wide assortment of raw materials to elicit the sense of wonder and amazement demanded by the client. Pocket Sicily holds a collection of plants from various geographies of Sicily, divided by areas, bringing a wild and diverse ecology into the place, and offering a multisensorial experience and making the spaces intriguing to observe and stimulating the user’s curiosity.

Each micro-area is dedicated to a myth and to a specific Sicilian landscape, where the young and old can explore the highly diversified vegetation and reimagine themselves in the legends connected with the place. For example, the myth of Persephone, a figure often associated with the thriving flora, is linked to the Mediterranean maquis zone or the myth of Typhaeus, who is said to be locked up under Mount Etna, to the volcanic area. In this way, the educational goal related to myths and legends around the territory, is integrated with the botanical and sensorial experience.

The design of the green area includes the construction of a sub-irrigation system to allow for the exploitation and recycling of water, a subject dear to SIFI company, which has been investing in reducing the environmental impact of its industrial activities for years.

The park design prefers endemic plants of which the majority are drought tolerant. In addition, two rainwater tanks are strategically allocated in the garden to collect water for drier periods. The expansive desert and dune areas are purposely set in the southern part of the garden, greatly reducing the need for water.

The sections illustrate the overall landform of the garden inspired by the terrain of Mount Etna that spreads across the plains of Sicily, framing the picturesque Mediterranean maquis from a distance. The arena recalls both the shape of an eye, a tribute to the client company, and to a volcano, with black gravel mounds surrounding the area, providing a space for adults and children to gather and perform.

The location of the park, adjacent to the gym and the company kindergarten, lends itself well to activities of various kinds, thanks to different spatial qualities: the lawn offers workers a place to relax or practicing outdoor sports, while the islands of flower beds and meandering paths invite a contemplative stroll. The thatched hut “Pagghiaru”, embraced by the chestnut trees, an old rural building in the region, constitutes a further anthropological citation by offering an enclosed and intimate space.

Overall, the park keeps the cultural narratives alive, offering visitors visceral engagement with the place and developing a deep genuine appreciation for the landscapes of Sicily.