The former Rossani barracks in Bari, Italy is currently being redeveloped, with assistance from construction equipment supplier Doosan Bobcat Europe, Middle East and Africa, which notes that a Bobcat E55z mini-excavator and S66 skid-steer loader are being used on the construction site.

The redevelopment work is under way on the site that will house the new Academy of Fine Arts of Bari. “The goal is to breathe new life into this important complex and restore the barracks to their historic urban vocation, transforming it into a public place accessible to the entire community” says Doosan.

The work, which began in June 2023, should be completed by the end of this year.

The Municipality of Bari has launched a competition for the redevelopment of the large area located in front of the barracks, an initiative that saw the participation of renowned architects. Among the entries, that of the acclaimed architect Massimiliano Fuksas stood out, as he proposed the creation of a “vast urban park" that extends over an area of ​​around 30 000 m2, offering a communal space for local people.

The redevelopment of the buildings inside the complex was recently renewed, for which a framework agreement has been signed with construction company De Marco S.r.l.

The first contract for the Bari Municipality provides for the recovery of buildings D and H of the former barracks.

Bobcat Machine Involvement

Given the historical nature of these buildings, the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape imposed some constraints. Consequently, the construction of reinforced concrete structures located in the basement was included, to keep the buildings functional.

To carry out these interventions, the contractor chose two Bobcat machines.

The E55z mini-excavator used to carry out the excavations, was particularly suited for precision work in small spaces, owing to its ability to operate with great agility and its compact structure that minimises the footprint during operations.

Digging with precision and speed, it created trenches for the reinforced concrete structures, which start outside and branch out inside the buildings, thereby ensuring the proper installation of the required systems. The E55z also took care of the internal demolition, specifically the removal of the flooring and the crawl space.

The E55z mini-excavator combines comfort and performance in a Zero House Swing (ZHS) structure, enabling “maximum peace of mind” when the machine is working near walls.

“In fact, with the ZHS profile, the rotation of the E55z turret remains completely confined within the limits of the width of the tracks. Nothing protrudes, neither the boom swing cylinder, nor the front corners, nor the handles, nor the lights, nor even the door, whether open or closed, making it ideal for tackling the challenges of construction sites where space is limited,” says Doosan.

The S66 skid-steer loader was used for a series of complementary and essential operations. The company notes that its versatility and manoeuvrability enabled its use in the rapid conveyance of waste materials, significantly simplifying cleaning and removal operations.

Further, it was essential for the efficient transportation and distribution of the necessary materials in the various sectors of the construction site. This made it possible to optimise the execution times of the works and significantly improve the overall efficiency of the operations, reducing downtime and ensuring a more fluid and coordinated operational flow.

Doosan says that the S66, together with the larger S76 and S86 models, forms part of the R-Series range of compact loaders that are designed to tackle demanding jobs in tight spaces and are even more robust than previous models, featuring improvements in terms of performance, comfort and visibility to help increase productivity. Further, the high-flow hydraulic system, which comes standard, further improves the versatility of the S66, as it can be used with advanced attachments with greater capacity.

“We are extremely satisfied with the two Bobcat machines machines,” comments De Marco S.r.l. owner Pasquale de Marco.

“The E55z mini-excavator and the S66 compact loader have not only allowed us to optimise the efficiency of the work, allowing us to operate in limited spaces and respecting the historical constraints imposed by the Superintendency, but they have also been crucial for the precise and safe construction of the infrastructure necessary for the redevelopment of the historic buildings of the Rossani barracks.”

The Bobcat machines purchased by the De Marco company were supplied by craft machinery and equipment company Caldarola S.r.l., the Bobcat dealer for Puglia and Basilicata. “We are specialised suppliers of Bobcat machines and offer a full range of related services. Among these, we supply original spare parts and offer professional assistance for maintenance support. Our relationship with De Marco is well established and long-lasting, boasting a collaboration that has spanned over 20 years.

“During this period, the company has purchased numerous machines, including models such as the S530, E20z, S66 and E55z. Each purchase has been completed with specific attachments for the different operational needs, such as hydraulic breakers, mixing buckets and much more, ensuring versatile and customised solutions for all works needed,” says Caldarola Modugno branch manager Riccardo Guerrieri, who handled all aspects of the sale for the former barracks.