Chiosco Ribaudo
by BASILE, Ernesto, Photo
The blurring of distinctions between interior and exterior, natural and artificial, are important themes in Ernesto Basile’s work, epitomized by the designs for street furniture. These included kiosks in an Arab style seething with vegetal forms and garden sculpture. Horizontal and vertical forms received similar treatment.
The kiosk, created by Ernesto Basile in 1894, was conceived in close relationship with the Teatro Massimo, in front of which it was positioned. In addition to selling refrigerated drinks, it served as a ticket office and newsstand, now selling tobacco and stamps. It has a cruciform plan, its construction is based on complex metal elements in wrought iron. The octagonal dome is typical of Brazilian towers, in remembrance of Basile’s visit to Brazil.