Located at San Vittore village (Switzerland) the new building of elementary school and kindergarten have a target to become not only the educational facility but also a new social hub for the whole neighborhood.
Driven away from the traditional school typology based on linear corridor system, we create a radial sequence of spaces with the “rings” of the functional zones. Such a layout is allowing maximum of space flexibility and forming a multifunctional core in its center. We create the space which fits with Swiss traditional pedagogic concept, but at the same time can be easily transformed for innovative teaching methods or host the public events, becoming this way the heart of community.
“The Nest” slogan (which from Italian “Nido” also can be translated as the kindergarten) is perfectly suits the idea when the shape is from one side representing the symbol of function, and also playing a role of the pivot point, connecting all the elements of urban fabric together.
Learning from Covid-19 situation, we generated a building which is able to face key pandemic issues by being adaptable and sustainable. The circulation of the school might be adjusted in order to maintain the requirements of social distance and positioning the temperature measurement stations, avoiding the changes of the regular school schedule.
At the same time, inspired by Valais wood construction method the proposal is referring to local, environmental friendly, natural and recyclable materials. All the elements, from facade to classroom’s furniture, are unitized and modular, which allows maximum space flexibility and easy exchange. High sustainability value is also achieved by integrating internal courtyard, green roof and solar panels, when the structural details are designed to provide the optimal natural ventilation and shading.
