Milan-based studio, Enrico Molteni Architecture, has designed an educational hub in Parma that caters for both toddlers and vulnerable children.

Photos
Marco Cappelletti

Built for the University of Parma and the Fondazione Accademia dei Giorni Straordinari (‘Academy of Extraordinary Days Foundation’), the project is sited within the university park in southern Parma, next to the Cinghio river.

United under one roof are the building’s two sections: a nursery for children aged up to six years old; and a school that fosters cultural and social inclusion for vulnerable children aged 10 to 14.

Externally, the project reads as a large pavilion, defined by its timber structure that makes use of laminated beams and CLT panels, enveloped by a portico with slender, inclined supports.

The entire roofscape of approximately 900 square metres is supported by four central, circular pillars, with the aforementioned angled supports employed along the perimeter to serve as bracing pillars. On the roof is a photovoltaic array that has a capacity of 96 kWp, covering almost the all energy needs of the two facilities.

The building follows an orthogonal grid, oriented at a 45-degree angle to the north, in line with the surrounding structures. Its floor plan comprises two squares, separated by a 12 cm cut, creating a strong geometric composition, while the plan includes 72 spaces of varying functions and sizes, with large glazed windows on the perimeter allowing natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and welcoming environment.

Ground floor plan. 

Ground floor plan with circulation strategy showing how the plan connects to its vicinity.

Inside is light and calm, with the soft warm hues of the timber structure complemented by natural light let in from above and through the heavily glazed façade. Each space is connected at tangential points to others, with glass doors located at each allowing for each space to be expanded if necessary, creating an enfilade that links the entire building from one facade to another, spanning 70 meters.

While connected by these doors, spaces have been partitioned by plasterboard, protected with a coating up to a height of 75 cm in grey PVC, in sync with the flooring. Above, wood fibre acoustic panels have been used for the ceiling.

“The two required buildings, one for the 0-6 Childhood Hub (a rare example in Italy) – public – and one for the education of preadolescent fragile youths – private – are entirely independent,” said Enrico Molteni in a statement. “However, in this diversity and necessary autonomy, the fundamental concept of the project was that of equality, to the extent that the architecture of the AGS Foundation and that of the Childhood Hub are the same architecture. Two buildings in one, similar and symmetrical. Two faces, one head: like a Janus, mysterious Roman god with two faces. The image of Janus, its duality and symmetry, but above all its unity and indivisibility, has been, from the beginning, the clearest conceptual reference of this project. Two faces, one head.”

“Choosing an approach of integration into the community of the campus to which it is an integral part, the new pavilion is positioned following the same orthogonal grid, at a 45° angle to the North, which organises all existing buildings. The specific identity of the new building is ensured by its architectural and material expression, contrasting with the existing architectures. The two bodies it consists of face opposite sides: the Kindergarten, more protected, towards the Cinghio Stream, and the AGS Foundation towards Giocampus, a sports association integrated with the AGS Foundation. A transversal path cuts the building in half, connecting the parking area to the green area of the University Sports Center (CUS).”

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