Villasanta

Like a grand residence, the new “Tagliabue” school blends seamlessly into the diverse context of Villasanta: a compact building nestled amidst greenery. The transparency of its facade and a transversal distribution create a unified perception of the structure and visual connection with the surroundings.

The spaces of the school are designed like those of a shared residence. The six sections are collocated in six Houses, which serve as reference spaces for each group. These Houses are designed to encourage free organization of individual and group games and educational activities, including rest, and are equipped with dedicated bathrooms and changing rooms.

The entrances of the six Houses overlook a large common central axis, which forms the heart of the school. This central axis is designed as a stimulating space with alternating common areas for collective activities overlooking an open-air patio. This sequence of small squares defines controlled and secure spaces conducive to socialization and exchange.

The organization of indoor and outdoor space is conceived as an educational continuum supporting the intellectual, emotional, social, and motor development of children.

The school is surrounded by greenery: the building is set back from the lot line on the East and West sides to make room for a large garden, which the House-sections overlook through a covered transition space under the overhang of the first floor.
The garden is a rich and varied green space designed to encourage the discovery of the natural world and the experience of biodiversity.
The terrace provides an opportunity to extend the open area of the school, a space equipped for play and movement.

Modular execution is a standout choice, offering heightened efficiency and reduced disruption for the construction site. By leveraging a steel structure and prefabricated elements for the building envelope, construction advances smoothly and swiftly, with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
The school building is also conceived as an ecosystem in constant evolution: movable partitions enable the connection of communal spaces, all surfaces’ finishing materials are washable and customizable, and the movable furnishings in the labs and Houses can be reorganized into various configurations to accommodate different educational activities.