“Rita Levi Montalcini” a school that embraces the students and the community

The school is characterized by an elegant composition and facades in shades of Mediterranean blue, which deliberately deviates from the stereotype of the multi-colored elementary school. The shapes, volumes and facade treatment make the structure iconic, easily recognizable in context and at the same time in perfect harmony with the existing urban structure.

The C-shaped layout symbolizing openness to the environement and inclusion, ecological and natural materials, indoor and outdoor didactic spaces, gymnasium, canteen and auditorium with separate entrances, allowing access outside school hours, are the distinguishing features of the school which was designed by Settanta7 in zinc-titanium to recall the shades of the sea.

The inner courtyard, around which the building rises on two levels and where an orange giraffe is positioned, welcomes around 600 young primary school students, as well as all citizens for activities outside school hours, thus turning the school into a landmark for the community.

The real key to the success of this project is the minimal need for maintenance and attention to sustainability. The materials used are laminated wood, x-lam, celenite, linoleum and zintek®, all environmentally friendly and natural to guarantee comfort and low energy consumption, respecting the principles of bioclimatic architecture. The facades are characterized by cladding with vertical metal zinc-titanium panels, a traditional and contemporary material at the same time. The three modules of metal panels, seemingly randomly alternating, reach a maximum height of 8 meters, whose vertical joints further serve to emphasize the rhythm of the facade.