L'ORACOLO - SURFACING THE NEAPOLITAN UNDERGROUND.
by Anthony Saynor
L’ORACOLO is a scientific geological research laboratory in Naples in the setting of a disused quarry and former mine known as Lotti and Tronari respectively. Earmarked as a potential sinkhole, the project begins by shoring up the site by excavating and removing the fragile ground material and preventing nature taking hold. The deep pit then lends itself to the exploration of Naples’ fragile landscape and as a facility to predict future sinkholes in Naples through relay stations dotted around the city, monitoring the ground conditions and feeding back to L’ORACOLO thus protecting the historic city centre. Not only will the project aid in the preservation of Naples, it will also participate in the future development of the city by highlighting sites of high and low ground susceptibility.
