Project Facts
- Location: Reggio Emilia
- Country: Italy
- Year of Completion: 2008
- Client:Istituzione Nidi e Scuole dell'InfanziaComune di Reggio Emilia
- Architect:ZPZ Partners Website
- Size: 3,000 m2
- Pupils: 90
- Construction Sum: Not known
- School building Programme/ Initiative: N/A
Overview
The Infants school represents a landmark in the development of the Reggio movement, based at the recently completed Reggio Emilia Institute. Situated within an historic building, the school has been established as a new flagship for the organisation, as well as a resource for further research and development of the Reggio pedagogical approach. Named after Loris Malaguzzi, the teacher and psychologist who was a key exponent of the Reggio approach, the school is designed as part of a building complex, including exhibition hall and research centre, to provide a hub for the Reggio movement and as a regeneration catalyst in the northern part of the city.
Themes
Integrated flexibility for space and learning
Ever since the creation of Diana Municipal School, The Reggio approach provides flexibility for learning through the specific organisation of learning spaces. Each classroom space is accompanied by an 'atelier' for undertaking messier creative work, a 'laboratory' for more scientific and technology-led studies and a 'piazza' for more performative and physical play and learning.
Integrated social and physical context
Built within a refurbished historic building the school is part of a wider vision set out by the Reggio Institute;
'In 1998 the Reggio Comune (Municipality) acquired the ex-Locatelli premises as a catalyst, a symbol of transformation in the northern area of the city. A place where children and their potentials are at the centre, it wishes to offer opportunities for creativity to children, young people, families, and new possibilities to the international educational community and all those who hold dear the themes of education and innovation.' [http://zerosei.comune.re.it/inter/aperto/index.htm]
This sociological agenda and establishment of education as the foundation on which regeneration can take place is far removed from the usual financial drivers that underpin urban development projects.
Innovative solutions to specific areas or smaller spaces
A series of steps within the classroom space create a suite of descrete learning spaces without physical barriers. The steps double-up as seating area for assemblies and a raised performance area.
Storage is not only extensive, but cleverly integrated into the learning environment. Each child has their own carefully arranged places to store and present work. The storage units also function as walls creating a plethora of possibilities for informal games.
A mezzanine level within each classroom serves as a sleeping platform up in the roof eaves, taking children away from the hustle and bustle of the classroom below.
Sources
Loris Malaguzzi International Centre Website
ReChild Reggio Children Publication PDF Link
