Lakescape, a landscape project for the fruition of Lake Poma

This proposal aims to provide a landscape layout suitable for the fruition of Lake Poma, located in Partinico (Palermo, Sicily). Despite being a manmade creation, the lake that sprung up from the construction of the dam on the Jato river during the 60’s has, over time, took on the morphology of a spontaneous landscape, losing its features of artificiality and developing its own ecosystem. An oasis, populated by a rich fauna and embedded in a lush flora. However, the lake has always been used as a mere water supply for the surrounding fields and the nearby towns. In spite of the efforts of a few locals and the desire of the younger generation to be able to use this hidden gem as a local outdoor resource, Lake Poma has never been through the process of being elevated from its “big puddle” status to semi-urban park.
The objective of this project is, therefore, to transform the lakefront and enhance the potential of the reservoir, working with the landscape in order to create a park that adapts to the natural changes of the lake (the water level is highly dependent on precipitation and the water demand by the fields and the towns) and is able to serve as a resource all year round. The project includes activities such as birdwatching, trekking, outdoor sports, as well as observation spots and towers, contemporary art installations – both on land and on the surface of the lake – and pedestrian paths suspended over the water.