Entrance to the “Garden of Tarots”, Garavicchio, Italy 1995-1996

Project: 1995
Construction: 1996
Client: Niki de Saint Phalle, Carlo Caracciolo
Project management: Roberto Aureli
Useful surface: 118 m²
Volume: 850 m³
Dimensions: approx. 42.40 x 5.90 m, 5.10 m H
Structure and materials: bearing structure in reinforced concrete; cladding in Tuscan tufa blocks (20 cm thick).

At the end of a row of trees that divides the pedestrian and the road accesses, a small circular square creates an open space in front of the entrance to the Garden of Tarots.The visitor is greeted by a long brick wall screen crowned by the ordered sequence of T-shaped concrete elements. A single circular opening is set in the middle of this artificial structure providing access to a small transition space. Light filters from a pergola created by extending the section of the concrete elements to form a series of beams. This sheltered area includes two glazed walls revealing the interior of a small exhibition space and the ticket counter-bookshop. A second arch in the wall ends the portal structure and leads into the garden with the sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle.