The project echoes the rich tradition of open-air schools in Europe of 19th century. Often the radical simplicity and beauty of this type of architecture, which it inspired unconventional modes of open and inclusive teaching, makes it a timeless reference, valid for the design of the new complex. The new school offers numerous extra services open to the neighborhood where students, parents and citizens are the protagonists. These services are located on the ground floor to allow them to work beyond class hours. Gyms and Auditorium are accessible to citizens through dedicated entrances. The new Library is placed as a “hinge point” of connection between primary and secondary schools (north and south plot). It is open to all, allowing associations and citizen the access during the work-hours. The two big canteens can be used during the summer as public spaces and bars. Nursery will organize workshops and activities for families and kids during the week-end trough laboratories inside its green houses.
A unique and articulated ground-floor path, forms a wide glazed gallery with open arcades on the courtyards and patios. It defines the project’s edges, guaranteeing the street façade’s rithm and ideally accompanying the individual throughout his path, from Nursery up to the Secondary Schools.
This cultural and physical path is imagined as a complex and stimulating landscape in which the student develops autonomy, curiosity and a sense of respect for the school and the neighborhood.
Finally, the complex is designed to involve the cohesion of the different age groups of the community throughout the day, proposing itself as an integrated part of Milano as an innovative city able to offer the community a rich functional program and places of formation and aggregation.

Competition
Date: Nov 2019
Localization: Milano, ITA
Size: 31.395 sqm
Contract value: 49 MLE
Program: Education, Urban, Public Space

Client: Municipality of Milan
Competition Coordinator: casatibuonsante architects
Architects: casatibuonsante architects, Delphine Roque Architecte, Elseline Basin Architecte
Structures: Broggini & Carrera Ingegneri Associati
Collaborators: Arch. Hanif Ady Ramadhan, Arch. Juan Camilo Arias Urueña