The welcome totem is part of a broader landscape and urban design project aimed at regenerating the town’s neglected green areas. Strategically placed in a public park, it enhances underused spaces by transforming them into visual landmarks and welcoming points for visitors. The project highlights the importance of green areas in the urban fabric, promoting their care and valorization as key elements for community well-being.

 

Objective and Concept
The totem is conceived as a symbolic threshold, morphologically inspired by the archetype of the house. Designed to greet visitors, it conveys a sense of hospitality and serenity, embodying the idea of access and belonging to the community.

 

Materials and Construction
The structure combines durability, tradition, and local craftsmanship. The outer frame is made of weathering steel (corten), chosen for its resistance to the elements and its warm aesthetic integration with the surrounding landscape. The inner structure is crafted in wood by local artisans, emphasizing the community’s artisanal heritage, while inscriptions in stainless steel ensure clarity and permanence.

 

Design and Information
At the top, the totem features the name “Niardo” and its altitude 443 m a.s.l.. At the base, it locates the village within Valle Camonica and displays the word “Welcome” in four languages (Italian, French, English, German), underlining its inclusive and international spirit.

 

Meaning and Symbolism
The totem carries a dual significance: it functions as a welcoming gesture and as a narrative tool that recalls the town’s origins through its materials — steel and wood — symbols of Niardo’s history and character. By evoking the archetype of the house, it resonates with notions of familiarity and domestic warmth.

 

Conclusion
Far from being a mere architectural object, the welcome totem is a symbol of identity and hospitality. Its careful design, reliance on local materials, and involvement of local artisans make it a meaningful landmark that greets visitors and introduces them to the traditions of the community. At the same time, the intervention improves the urban landscape, raising awareness on the value of green spaces and promoting a more welcoming and sustainable environment for all.