This project is born of the desire to create what is above all a place of encounter, sharing and exchange. A large piazza dedicated to the growth of both individuals and groups. A colourful and bright space, free and constantly filled with activity. A living piazza where nature is free to enter. This explains why the proposal includes an architectural organism characterised entirely by circular forms, partially concealed by the terrain and containing trees and gardens. Referencing the famous phrase by Bruno Munari, the circle is the primitive form par excellence.
To the common imagination a circle is immediately recognisable as a space that welcomes, gathers and protects. The entire structure promotes the concept of education based on the theory of the “learning landscape”: environments founded on openness and transparency that include learning spaces that break free from the traditional concept of the classroom. Spaces for classroom lessons, for explotation (ateliers for practical workshop experience) and informal spaces, for play and social interaction, are assembled around a large central agora Spaces for classroom lessons, for exploration (ateliers for practical workshop experience) and informal spaces, for play and social interaction, are assembled around a large central agora. Interior and exterior space are conceived together: the filter, between artificial and natural, between structure and site, is a continuous glass wall whose dense rhythm is set by the mullions of the windows, whose tall and slender frames evoke the pattern of a mountain forest.
The passage between interior-exterior is further mediated by a large disc-like roof, entirely covered by a green carpet of sedum; positioned eccentrically with respect to the base, the disc extends out 4 m beyond the façade to gradually screen the windows below. Inside, the central agora is designed and surrounded by large curving walls finished in light coloured wood and defining the ”bubbles” containing spaces for learning and services.
