Ponte Nuovo – Primary school

The intervention area is located within the urban fabric of Ravenna, in the Ponte Nuovo district, along its western edge. The settlement strategy envisions positioning the primary school building in spatial continuity with the future New Early Childhood Center, thereby creating a coherent and virtuous sequence of collective spaces:

1. The “exchange square,” an داخلی courtyard where both educational and spatial transitions occur between the kindergarten and the primary school.
2. The distribution core, defined by an internal courtyard featuring a double-helix staircase connecting the two levels of the school building; this represents a strategic node from which all main internal spaces are organized.
3. The interface square with the city, with its main entrance on Via del Pino.
4. The system of parks (existing and resulting from future demolitions), connecting the neighborhood defined by the intersection of Via del Pino and Via Martiri 56.

The new primary school is conceived as an educational and experiential platform for the entire neighborhood community, making its open spaces and gymnasium available for shared use.

The design approach integrates learning environments, the urban context, and a system of parks and educational gardens through accessible green spaces that enhance quality of life and establish a strong relationship between the school, the natural environment, and the surrounding landscape.

Enclosed classrooms are consistently complemented by a system of open spaces, conceived as true “outdoor classrooms/gardens”; additionally, the first floor features a fully equipped terrace dedicated to teaching activities.

Classrooms are organized into two groups: the ground floor accommodates first and second grades, while the first floor houses third, fourth, and fifth grades. Each cluster of classrooms is complemented by “soft spaces” as well as areas for collective and complementary activities.

This arrangement creates homogeneous learning environments where students can interact and share experiences with their peers.

Great attention is given to the quality of interior spaces, characterized by abundant natural light, visual permeability, and continuity between indoor and outdoor environments, along with design solutions that support multiple teaching configurations.

The project places strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, adopting universal design principles. The building is conceived to be fully usable by all without the need for adaptations, through intuitive circulation, absence of architectural barriers, integration of assistive technologies, and multisensory strategies that facilitate orientation and usability for people with diverse abilities. The school thus becomes a welcoming, safe, and easily accessible space for both students and the wider community, even beyond school hours.

From a technological and construction standpoint, the project relies on advanced solutions focused on sustainability and safety, particularly seismic performance. The structural system combines engineered timber (CLT and glulam) with reinforced concrete, ensuring high performance and durability. The use of certified, recycled or recyclable, and low-emission materials contributes to improved indoor environmental quality and reduced overall environmental impact.

Significant importance is also given to energy efficiency and building systems, designed to minimize consumption and maximize the use of renewable energy sources. The building-services integration includes geothermal heat pumps, controlled mechanical ventilation, radiant systems, and photovoltaic panels, ensuring performance levels exceeding current standards. Acoustic, visual, and thermo-hygrometric comfort are also carefully addressed, fostering user well-being and enhancing learning quality.

The entire project is developed in accordance with environmental sustainability and circular economy principles, aligned with DNSH and CAM criteria, and aims to achieve a high-level LEED certification. Attention is given not only to the operational phase of the building but also to construction and future decommissioning, with provisions for the recovery and recycling of most materials.

Project data:
⦁ Classroom sections (GF + FF): 330.00 + 495.00 = 825.00 sqm
⦁ Flexible classrooms: 167.00 sqm
⦁ Computer lab: 63.00 sqm
⦁ Agorà: 167.30 sqm
⦁ Canteen: 330.00 sqm
⦁ Gymnasium: 863.00 sqm
⦁ Teachers’ room: 76.00 sqm
⦁ Circulation and services: 614.00 sqm
⦁ Parking and circulation: 979.04 sqm
⦁ Paved areas: 2,565.20 sqm
⦁ Green areas: 2,884.86 sqm

CREDITS

• Architectural Design: Giovanni Vaccarini Architetti

• Project Team:
  Giovanni Vaccarini
  Matteo Preite
  Herman Cabonetti
  Elena Di Giuseppe
  Angelo Alabrese
  Martina Lombardi
  Claudia Candio

• Client: Municipality of Ravenna – PNRR Design Competition

• Location: Ravenna (RA), Italy