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From field to square: The construction of open space

The new middle school in Erbusco encases a green space referencing its relationship with the countryside. In fact the center of Erbusco preserves a series of green squares that characterise its urban system: fields throughout parts of the city identify its civil space. This theme guided the conception of the new school complex, which includes nature as a structural element.
Around this open space with a small scots pine forest, the architecture consists of three central elements identifying its character: The courtyard building to the east, the pergola to the south surrounding the park and the large open and covered space of the civic centre to the west.
To the north, the retaining wall catches the jump in altitude and closes the green square that is the natural space around which the syntax of the project is defined.

The school building consisting of a building a courtyard on two levels, where the agora builds
the collective space and defines its identity; its functioning is articulated around it and the methods of aggregation.
In the south wing there is an entrance and secretariat, with adjacent access control, al second level are positioned Presidency and Accounting.
On the east side are the laboratories and the music room. The latter on the floor ground is in direct connection with the large central space, so that if necessary it can become a small stage for concerts and events.
To the north, the building includes the library on the first floor and the teachers' room on the ground floor. Here an underpass connects the new complex with the Elementary School.
On the west side of the building, the one overlooking the green square develops the part dedicated to teaching.

The classrooms and the theme of the threshold
The twelve classrooms on two levels on the west side have a double relationship with the outside world, on the one hand with the covered square and on the other with the garden / forest. The classrooms, with the east-west walls completely glazed, they become a threshold between the collectivity of the class and heterogeneity of the school, and create an internal / external relationship adjustable with the use of curtains.
To facilitate the new teaching methods, the classrooms they can join two by two thanks to walls
sliding. The parapets of the front distribution galleries the classrooms are made up of fixed furniture with multimedia stations in which - in the extreme proximity to the class - personalized educational programs can be implemented. These workstations are integrated with personal lockers for students.
The interiors of the classrooms, covered in wood, give back a welcoming atmosphere and excellent quality degree of sound absorption.

The covered square
The theme of the agora, of the central space, allows the relationship between one and the community. In the project for the Erbusco School this central space is held together by a large one coffered roof 27 meters long and 17 meters wide, in which the wooden beams 20 centimetres thick by 150 in height build a square score of over 3 meters. The soffit coffered defines the spatial unity of the square in which
all functions overlook. The east and west sides, divided by windows, multiply the space towards the outside, creating a perceptual continuity.
Since the tax rate of the coffered roof is higher than the buildings side, the light enters from all sides. This solution also solves the air exchange, thanks to vasistas openings.
The great roof of the hall holds the Agora together and makes it a great Elizabethan theatre, city ​​square where the community gathers around the recognisable identity element.

The Panta Rhei
Inside the square there is a cubic wooden volume, which is flanked the staircase leading to the first level. A completely blind volume, which hides outside, a dome of 6 meters in diameter. There
cavea dug into the ground can accommodate approx thirty people between students and teachers.
This exceptional element becomes the Planetarium of the school, where it is possible to project the
celestial cap for the study of the universe. There room called Panta Rhei for its flexibility to be adapted to various events, it is a space multifunctional, fully enclosed, intimate, in contrast with the other spaces, visually open and permeable. The horizontal cover that covers the shell of the Panta Rhei, is a link between the galleries on the first floor and becomes an area of relaxation for students.
This terrace centrally located, close by the coffered roof is furnished with cushions and sofas.

The green square, the pergola, the Civic Center
In addition to the school building, the complex is configured through two other important ones
architectural elements. The pergola to the south, planted with vines, and the Civic Centre.
Covered and open on the sides, the Civic Center is the community space for use school and country in general, configurable for various events. In addition to those they predict a frontal report: lectio magistralis, screenings, concerts, can become a space for fairs, or a small school market.
A small pavilion has been set up in the large green space, the natural heart of the complex circular wooden, dedicated to reading in nature.

The choice of wood and the ecological transition
The building system of the school is wood. Being a lightweight, organic, renewable and easily prefabricated material,, wood is the building material that has the least impact on production
of carbon dioxide. This choice meets the desired ecological transition by national and European politics, which places the city of Erbusco at the forefront of the theme of a conscious eco-sustainable transformation.
In addition, wood is a material capable of creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere
soothing, and its tactile and olfactory materiality contributes to an experience space that involves all the senses. According to recent studies, a school built in materials valuable, prepares students for a positive approach to learning.
The supporting structure in pillars and beams, the floors and the large coffered roof are made of wood
heat-treated, to ensure natural color stability. The window frames in light, floor / ceiling, guarantee the visual relationship between inside and outside.

The facades: treillage reminiscent of farms
The facades of the school and the civic centre are made out of a mixed reinforced concrete and wood system. Pillars in coloured prefabricated concrete giving a regular score are filled by a ventilated facade with crossed strips: the treillage. Heat-treated wood guarantees natural color stability. This system has as its reference both the farmhouses of the Po valley, with their ventilated brick walls, and 18th-19th century garden pavilions.