The Last Project by Zaha Hadid to Inaugurate in Salerno

On April 25 it will open one of the last architectural work by the Anglo-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, who recently passed away: the Salerno Maritime Terminal.

The new terminal for the ferry port at Salerno, marks the transition from land to sea, from solid to liquid, both visually and functionally – strengthening the intimate relationship between city and waterfront through innovate design. In many senses, the new building echoes the oyster  its hard shell enclosing soft, fluid elements within; a ‘nerved’ roof forming a protective shell in the intense Mediterranean sun. From their first point of contact with this sculpted, artificial landform, passengers are subtly steered along the length of the terminal by key focal points – ticket desks, restaurant, waiting room – all of which provide natural orientation points.
The building comprises three interlocking elements – administrative offices, ferry terminal and cruise ship terminal. Passengers for daily ferries are guided swiftly from ground level entrances and ticket desks to upper deck boarding points via ramps. By night, the terminal’s ‘glow’ functions almost as a lighthouse for this ancient port, its history reaching back to Norman and Saracen times.