Restoration of the Bevaio – Piazza del Bevaio, Valledolmo (Palermo)

The restoration of the Bevaio fountain "Acqua della Signora Cristina" in Valledolmo restores a place of identity to the community, where memory and contemporary design once again engage in dialogue.
This project is part of a broader urban regeneration process promoted by the Municipality, with the aim of reconnecting existing spaces, improving usability, and ensuring greater safety, especially for children. In this context, the historic fountain was treated not as a mere ornamental element, but as a water infrastructure that has sustained the daily life of the village for centuries.
The Bevaio, dating back to the 18th century and linked to the figure of Countess Cristina Cutelli Joppolo, still retains its symbolic value: a vital supply point, but also a space for social interaction. The large circular basin with the statue of a cherub at its centre tells a story of simple gestures, community, and the Sicilian rural landscape.
Forme d'Acqua's project struck a balance between conservation and innovation. The pool's bottom was raised to reduce the volume of water required, introducing more conscious management of the resource. The new AISI 316L steel perimeter crown integrates 48 nozzles and 20 RGBW LED spots, divided into four independent sections: a design choice that allows for dynamic and precise modulation of the water and light displays, adapting them to the context and different times of day.
The central statue, despite not being able to recover the original hydraulic system, was also enhanced with a new scenographic system capable of enhancing its presence without altering its authenticity, thanks to a play of four water jets illuminated by four RGBW LED spots.
From a plant engineering perspective, the system integrates filtration and recirculation with automatic control of chemical parameters, as well as intelligent solutions for sustainable management: the anemometer, shared with the dynamic floor fountain built in the square in front, automatically adjusts the height of the jets based on the wind, avoiding waste and dispersion.
Completing the project, the insertion of hand-decorated ceramic panels along the fountain's perimeter creates a visual narrative of the area: crafts, production cycles, and local traditions intertwine in a path that links past and present.
The result is a renovated space that strengthens its identity rather than losing it. A place where water once again becomes a central element, both for its function and for its ability to generate relationships, memory, and urban value.