The University of Parma, in collaboration with the Fondazione Accademia dei Giorni Straordinari, has unveiled a groundbreaking educational center that exemplifies the power of inclusive design and innovative architecture. Designed by Enrico Molteni Architecture, this new facility in Parma, Italy, merges two distinct educational programs within a unified architectural framework, fostering a sense of community and inclusion for children of varying ages and needs.
Inclusive Education Center Technical Information
- Architects: Enrico Molteni Architecture
- Location: Parco Area delle Scienze, Campus UNIPR, Parma, Italy
- Client: Accademia dei Giorni Straordinari Foundation and University of Parma
- Topics: Wood Structures
- Area: 2,450 m2
- Project Year: 2021 – 2023
- Photographs: © Marco Cappelletti, © Fondazione AGS, Courtesy of Enrico Molteni Architecture
The pavilion’s rectangular shape is achieved by juxtaposing two perfectly square structures, with an inviting open space for interaction at their intersection.
– Enrico Molteni Architects
Inclusive Education Center Photographs
Architectural Vision and Design
Located in the serene university park of southern Parma, adjacent to the Cinghio stream, the center comprises two interconnected yet specular buildings. Each building serves a unique purpose: one functions as a nursery and kindergarten for children aged 0 to 6, while the other supports cultural and social inclusion for vulnerable children aged 10 to 14. The pavilion-like structure, with its single-floor design and open, inviting atmosphere, embodies a commitment to accessibility and openness.
The center’s rectangular shape is achieved by juxtaposing two square structures, creating an open space at their intersection for interaction and communal activities. The portico, with its slender, gently inclined supports, encircles the building, enhancing the sense of openness. This design approach not only provides visual connectivity with the surrounding landscape but also ensures that natural light floods the interior spaces, creating a bright and welcoming environment.
Sustainable Construction and Materials
In keeping with modern sustainable practices, the center employs dry construction methods, utilizing laminated wood and CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) panels for its load-bearing structure and floors. The extensive use of glazed windows along the building’s perimeter maximizes natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and connecting the occupants with the natural surroundings.
The center’s commitment to sustainability extends to its energy systems. Constructed as a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB), it boasts high energy efficiency, with an annual energy consumption of just 22.45 kWh/m². The building features mechanical ventilation through a ducted ceiling system, external motorized shading, radiant floor heating and cooling, and a comprehensive building automation system. Additionally, a photovoltaic panel system with a capacity of 96 kWp meets nearly all the building’s energy needs.
Educational and Social Integration
The design and functionality of the inclusive education center reflect a pioneering approach to educational integration. The project promotes social inclusivity and educational continuity by combining public and private educational programs within a single architectural entity. This innovative model provides essential support to university employees and students with young children while also addressing the needs of preadolescent vulnerable youths.
The interior layout of the center is meticulously planned to encourage interaction and flexibility. Spaces are interconnected, with views extending across the building’s length, creating a sense of openness and continuity. Each space has multiple opening points, facilitating natural light and fostering dynamic usage relationships. This fluid design ensures that the center can adapt to various educational and social activities, making it a versatile and functional space.
Landscaping and Community Integration
The surrounding landscape is thoughtfully designed to complement the building’s inclusive ethos. The gardens and green spaces are intended to be explored and inhabited by children and adolescents, integrating seamlessly with the larger green system of the university campus. The central courtyard, a symbolic and physical focal point of the project, serves as an open-air classroom and communal space for events and activities, reinforcing the center’s role as a hub for community interaction.
Completed in the autumn of 2023, the inclusive education center in Parma is a remarkable example of how thoughtful design and innovative architecture can create inclusive, sustainable, and dynamic educational environments.
Inclusive Education Center Plans
Inclusive Education Center Image Gallery
About Enrico Molteni
Enrico Molteni Architecture, founded by Italian architect Enrico Molteni in 1997, is renowned for its innovative and sustainable architectural designs that emphasize inclusivity and community integration. With a rich academic background and a global portfolio, Molteni’s work spans various countries, including Italy, South Korea, and Thailand. The firm has earned numerous accolades through over 130 competitions, securing 30 awards and mentions, including nine first-place victories. Enrico Molteni Architecture continues to shape contemporary architecture with projects like the Inclusive Education Center in Parma, reflecting a profound commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Design Team: Enrico Molteni with Alessandro Ferrazzano
- Structural Engineers: Guidetti Serri Studio Ingegneria
- Mechanical systems: Massimo Bocchi
- Electrical systems: Massimo Fontanili
- Wood: DUOPUU (Paolo Simeone)
- Landscape: Luigi Massolo
- Acoustics: Italian Acoustics Institute S.r.l.
- Works supervisor, Fire brigade, and local health authority consultant: Silvano Dondi
- Construction management: Lorenzo Serri
- Safety Coordinator: Alessandro Mori
- Responsible for Public Procurement: Pierangelo Spina, UNIPR
- Cost: 5.000.000 Euros
- Communication Partner and Press Office: The Architecture Curator
