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Architecture for learning: a dynamic school among light, nature and community

SAFE-06 | PROGINEER 4.0

Education  /  Future
SAFE-06 | PROGINEER 4.0

The concept for the design is based on the integration of three distinct functional volumes (classroom and educational services; gym; auditorium/theater), that interact with each other through spaces of interconnection and distribution. Simple, pure, elements, that intersect and interlock creating dynamical compositions, sculptures of light and shadows, spaces with strong expressive force and identity, capable of becoming the core of a new architectural culture. The proposal stems from a in-depth reflection over dimensioning and deliberate choices over distribution, managing and functions, which allowed to reduce the surface area originally planned. This overall favored high architectural and building complex quality.

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Foyer

The building, located within the site of the existing complex, has been set back from the area boundaries to provide breathing space for the classrooms. These will benefit not only from increased natural light, but also from the open-air environment, useful for ourdoor teaching and recreation. Thanks to the renaturalization of all these surrounding areas, the spaces will create a buffer with the neighbouring context and transform into real “open-air rooms” for teaching and social gathering. The chosen materials aim to engage with the urban and natural context: the pure white of the taller volumes interacts and visually conforms with the nearby elementary school; while the lower building is crowned by a series of strips of different colors, reminiscent of the local montainous landscape.

Internal courtyard

According to current legislations, the project complies with the DNSH principles and MEC for schools, and all design choices were significant in making the building NZEB. The goal of environmental sustainability was reached through reducing the gross floor area compared to the intial indications in the DIP, resulting in significant benefits economically and environmentally, including reduced land consumption and additional green areas for school users. This approach allowed the usage of eco-compatible solutions, such as the lightweight extensive green roof, CLT sturctures, high performance glass walls and higher quality finishes. The project is the winner of the design competition launched by the Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM) under the program “FUTURA – La scuola di domani”.

Night view of covered square

The focus of this innovative architectural project is to represent the novel forms of sociality and functionality. Several spaces of the new complex are designed with dual purposes, such as the gym and auditorium, as well as the covered square with its large staircase acting as front steps. This duality is conceived to make the building usable beyond the school hours and accessible to a broader range of users. The heart of the design is the school’s main entrance: a covered “plaza”, acting as a transitional filtering space, defined by the overhanging roof intended on welcoming studens into a space that isn’t only educational, but also social; connecting fisically indoor and outdoor environments through large glass walls that distinguish and form the boundary between the public areas from those dedicated to school use. The external areas will be planted with three native deciduous species (almond, strawberry tree, chestnut) serving a triple purpose: mitigate the heat island effect, provide shade for the glass walls and act as natural buffers with the surrounding context. The design is also based on solutions with low energy demand and extensive use of renewable energy sources for both thermal and electrical production.

External lesson in the courtyard
A “learning enviroment” refers to the overall organization of physical, virtual and relational spaces where learning takes place. This broader concept allows the protagonists of the learning process to evolve into a true community. School architecture, historically characterized by static spaces, must embrace today the concept of dynamic spaces, enabling flexible configurations in response to the ever evolving educational challenges.

Credits

 MOTTA SAN GIOVANNI (RC)
 Italy
 Amministrazione Comunale di Motta San Giovanni
 Scuola secondaria di primo grado
 12/2026
 1595 sq. m
  3,331,711.00 €
 SAFE-06 Srl & PROGINEER 4.0 Srls
 Arch Francesco Fedele – Ing Angela Fedele – Ing Elisabetta Fedele – Ing. Bruno Polifroni – Ing. Michele D’Agostino – Arch. Saverio Ganino – Ing. Francesco Zanghì – Ing. Fabio Castriciano
 geologo dott. Francesco Surace – Pedagogista Prof. Marco Geria
 3D images by arch. Giacomo Baracco

Bio

SAFE-06 and PROGINEER 4.0 are companies with decades of experience in the fields of architecture and engineering. They both boast a solid experience in the development of complex project, of which are mostly public, in both national and local context.
Their activities span multiple areas: from architectural and structural design to infrastructure and hydraulic engineering, as well as Construction Management, Site Supervision, Health and Safety Coordinator.
This multidisciplinary approach always uphold one core principle: quality. Quality in contemporary living. Urban and non-urban quality. Architectural quality.
At the same time, this approach enables the management of every phase of the design and construction process with a strong vision of efficiency and a focus on sustainability, thanks to the usage of avant-garde technologies and BIM methodologies, highly specialized technical expertise and a dynamic, collaborative co-working environment.

http://www.safe06.com

Tag

#Finalist #Italy  #Steel  #Education  #Theater - Auditorium  #Wood Cladding  #Sun Shading  #Library  #Laboratories  #facciata vetrata  #SAFE-06  #PROGINEER 4.0 

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