New school for Europe

Parma, Italy

New school for Europe
Parma, Italy
2009

program: New school for Europe: school complex for 1.182 students (nursery, primary, secondary and high school), sport fields, 2 gyms, 2 canteens, library, auditorium, directional building
> total area: 67 154 m2
> kindergarten: 2 000 m2
> primary school: 1 350 m2
> secondary school: 2 475 m2
> high school: 3 825 m2
> common areas: 1 800 m2
> auditorium: 750 m2
> gyms: 2 200 m2
> canteens: 1 000 m2
> library: 500 m2
> green areas: 55 000 m2
> parking: 7 600 m2
> sport fields: 635 m2
client: Società di trasformazione urbana spa
project: Alfonso Femia * with
structural engineering and geotechnics: Favero e Milan Ingegneria spa
services engineering: HC Hospital Consulting spa
roads and infrastructures: AI Engineering srl
geology: Terzigni Carlo
consultants: LAND Milano srl (landscape design), S.T.E. srl (safety and building yard advisor)
images: ©Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia
“The functional structure of the school buildings is organized in blocks of similar size and shape, aggregated in different configurations, recognizable by the specific treatments of the outer skin.” AF
The project strategy consists in the development of a large theme park made of a sequence of natural areas characterized by different sizes, shapes and blossoms. The spaces dedicated to learning and growth are characterized by educational theme gardens, linking the different stages of learning – from childhood to teenage – to specific activities. The functional structure of the school buildings is organized in blocks of similar size and shape, aggregated in different configurations, recognizable by the specific treatments of the outer skin (raw matter for school buildings, transparent and reflective for the collective functions). The different buildings become extroverted, and the direct connections between inner and outer spaces create an unitary perception.