Team: Alessandro Moriconi, Relevo srl, ing. Francesco Bondi

Place: Locatelli, Biassono

AN URBAN HUB

The town of Biassono is characterized by low-density housing and a uniform urban fabric. Strategically positioned in a central residential area between Monza Park to the east and an industrial zone to the west, the new educational complex is conceived as a cohesive masterplan. It includes distinct educational clusters designed to function as an intergenerational hub, accessible throughout the day and serving as a vital Civic Center to foster social integration and cohesion.

Situated to the north, the primary school is organized into five radially arranged pavilions, promoting spatial flexibility and operational autonomy, while allowing for future expansions. This complex houses diverse facilities, including a primary school, civic library, auditorium, gymnasium, amphitheater, and outdoor sports area.

The secondary school “P. Verri” serves as the central core of the hub, featuring enhanced parking for vehicles and bicycles. Strategically placed pedestrian and bicycle crossings facilitate mobility and connectivity, promoting seamless transitions between different functional areas.

The "Generations Park" enriches the community by promoting intergenerational interactions through integrated recreational facilities like bocce courts, skate parks, and playgrounds. Universal accessibility is ensured by dynamic pedestrian paths originating from existing access points.

Transport considerations have led to the implementation of a one-way traffic loop on Via Locatelli, aimed at reducing congestion and enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety. This includes dedicated pedestrian and bicycle pathways, improved access for school buses, and permeable parking surfaces equipped with photovoltaic shelters, enhancing both sustainability and functionality.

The educational spaces prioritize multiple cognitive approaches, including visual, verbal, auditory, and kinesthetic, with an emphasis on bodily engagement. The radially configured pavilions create a common courtyard, facilitating intuitive navigation and promoting flexibility, autonomy, and community interaction.

Architecturally, the design balances indoor and outdoor spaces by integrating solid and void areas seamlessly, enabling indoor activities to extend naturally outdoors. Classrooms feature direct external access, creating "mirrored" green environments.

The architecture blends harmoniously with local vernacular styles, utilizing traditional forms and color schemes complemented by fluid, sloping roof structures, effectively bridging contemporary needs with historical context.

Pedagogically, the project emphasizes interaction and student autonomy. Corridors adjacent to glazed walls have been reimagined as interactive and communal spaces. Classrooms equipped with movable partitions and modular furnishings allow adaptability for various teaching methodologies, enhancing student engagement.

The layout supports flexible management of functional areas beyond school hours, with a welcoming entrance area, dedicated educational spaces with direct external access, versatile sports facilities, and multipurpose community spaces such as an auditorium, cafeteria, and outdoor amphitheater.

Committed to sustainability, the complex is designed as a nearly-zero-energy building (NZEB), employing energy-efficient solutions like geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaic installations, radiant heating systems, controlled ventilation, and smart automation technologies. Aspiring for LEED Platinum certification, the project integrates principles of circular economy and resilience, including rainwater harvesting, low-impact materials, prefabricated XLAM timber structures, and recyclable aluminum cladding, establishing a model for environmentally responsible urban development.