The School as a Means to Reconnect the Urban Fabric

Ghedi, Brescia

For the project of the Caduti di Piazza Loggia lower secondary school in Ghedi, DVArea had the opportunity to integrate other approaches such as neurosciences, pedagogy, environmental psychology, and sociology with the traditional disciplines. This formed a transdisciplinary task force focused on technical issues, human environment wellbeing, and the relationship between space characteristics and the quality of learning. The aim was to ensure a healthy and inclusive environment for the entire school community where students can grow and develop their skills to the fullest.

A project submitted under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) which, in terms of systems and energy performance, falls within the nZEB category, with an almost zero environmental impact.

From the monitoring analyses conducted on the current school building in terms of orientation, lighting, performance, air quality, and ventilation of the indoor spaces, it emerged that, in addition to energy issues, the configuration of the interior spaces did not allow for an increase in student enrollment. For this reason, the DVArea team planned a volumetric expansion of the building in the central core of the existing semi-courtyard to define a new educational layout, benefitting school activities and the entire community.

Il progetto trasforma la scuola in un luogo cittadino fruibile per tutta la giornata e con finalità e usi differenti.
Sono stati previsti accessi indipendenti alle pertinenze scolastiche e al di sopra della piazza è stato previsto un auditorium con 300 posti

The project transforms the school into a city space usable throughout the day with different purposes and uses. Independent access points to the school premises have been planned and, above the square, an auditorium with 300 seats has been included, designed for conferences and small events, available for the entire community. This creates a fluid area and a multi-purpose space, a central foyer overlooking and connecting the three pre-existing buildings of the school, which consequently becomes the main access floor.

More + Less -

8.420

GFA

[m²]

12,7

VALUE OF DESIGNED WORKS

[M €]

29

CLASSROOMS

740

STUDENTS

New school project in Ghedi, Brescia. Exterior view of the contemporary school building with a bronze-toned modular façade and large windows, surrounded by students socializing, skateboarding, and riding BMX bikes in a designated pedestrian area.

“We want a zero-impact school; a school that is safe but also beautiful, because spaces play a crucial role in the success of education.”

Federico Casali,
Mayor of Ghedi

New school project in Ghedi, Brescia. Rendering of a contemporary, bright and welcoming school interior. In the center, a large dark blue spiral slide serves as both a playful and architectural element. Children are seen chatting, reading, and playing around the space, which features soft seating, low bookshelves, and tall golden windows overlooking the greenery outside. On the right, an accessible ramp leads to the upper floor.

“The redevelopment project of the school complex began with the awareness that the buildings and spaces it comprises are inextricably linked to the memory of the Ghedi community. Regenerating a place while preserving its collective memory is a challenge that is as complex as it is inspiring. A contemporary school must be inclusive, serving as a point of reference for all citizens.”

Armando Casella,
Co-Founder and CEO DVArea