Paradiso artificiale explores the future of trabocchi—ancient Adriatic fishing structures—through field research, graphic design, and an exhibition at the Museo Civico di Vieste. The project invites a rethinking of their role today as sustainable, cultural spaces integral to the urban landscape.

The trabocchi are ancient fishing machines from Italy’s Adriatic coast, embodying a heritage of construction knowledge passed down through generations. These wooden structures are a rare example of sustainable architecture, integrated into the marine environment and designed as inclusive tools that allowed fishing without boats. This unique balance between man and nature is increasingly rare today. However, modernization of fishing has rendered trabocchi obsolete, and their conversion into exclusive restaurants has compromised their accessibility and original cultural values.

Driven by the urgent need to rethink their contemporary role, this project began with research on abandoned sites and their conversion into new infrastructures. The investigation explored urban design methods to recover and reinterpret the ancient architectural and social significance of trabocchi, questioning their adaptability to new uses without losing identity.

The project evolved creatively through fieldwork and research, resulting in a series of experimental graphic works. Six distinct projects—Sottopelle, Geografia di una corrispondenza, tra/fra, Prendilo, è tuo!, Dopo la scaduta, and Trabucche Memory—were developed by a multidisciplinary team under the guidance of the project’s author. Each participant expressed artistic sensitivity, using graphic design to imagine diverse scenarios. The intent was to unleash the creative potential of trabocchi and encourage fresh reflections on their future, a rarely explored topic.

The exhibition at Museo Civico Archeologico Petrone in Vieste marked a pivotal moment, returning the work to the community and bridging research with practical engagement. Displaying the graphic works allowed visitors to experience trabocchi’s artistic and cultural value anew.

What could trabocchi become today to reintegrate society? Environmental “sentinels”? Recycling hubs? Venues for sustainable design festivals? This project invites readers to rethink trabocchi’s potential and take a step toward their reintegration into urban and landscape fabric.

Christian Stifani, Creative Direction
Onlus “La Rinascita dei Trabucchi Storici”