Twin Schools

The project stems from the desire of the University of Parma and the AGS Foundation to collaborate on a joint educational initiative, translating the principle of inclusion and equality into architecture. Situated in the Univerity Campus, the two independent buildings – a kindergarden for children aged 0-6 and a school for vulnerable young people aged 10-14 – are designed as a single structure, like a two-faced Janus. The unity and equality are manifested through the peripteral wooden portico. The central courtyard reinforces the principles of union as a place for intergenerational encounters.

Choosing an approach of integration into 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. The specific identity of the new building is ensured by its architectural and material expression, contrasting with the existing buildings. The portico, standing at a height of 5m and characterized by slightly inclined supports, envelops the entire structure. The 2 buildings are physically separated by a 12cm cut. The plan composition, with 72 different different spaces by function and size, is like a puzzle of rooms. Each room connects to others. The position of openings allows for the expansion of space along lines of visual enfilade that connect the entire building. At the center, a perfect square-shaped space: a room open to the sky. All spaces with educational and social activities are open to the outside through continuous glass windows, enjoying natural light and views of the landscape.

The NZEB complex has been built in just 12 months – an exceptional case in Italy. The construction involved 48 companies, 4,500 presences on-site, with no reported accidents. The building is conceived as dry construction systems, with a wooden structure of laminated beams-columns and CLT panels, featuring large glazed openings for the facades. The entire surface is supported by four circular pillars. The inclination of the portico pillars serves as bracing, avoiding crosses. The internal partitions are made of plasterboard, protected with a coating in gray linoleum in continuity with the floor. The acoustic ceilings are made of wood fiber. Mechanical ventilation, external motorized curtains, winter heating and summer cooling through radiant floor panels, and a photovoltaic panel system with a capacity of 96 kWp. Beyond the implementation of advanced technologies, the project itself is architecture mindful of climatic and energy aspects, starting from the large portico.