A Timber Architecture for Shared Knowledge

The project for the new “D. Pelagalli” school in Castel Maggiore, developed in 2023 over an area of 4,691 m², was conceived with the aim of creating a new hub of knowledge capable of connecting the school area with the main nearby cultural landmarks, such as the “N. Calipari” Park, the “J. M. Keynes” State Institute, and the “N. Ginzburg” Municipal Library. In line with this vision of openness and urban integration, the building’s load bearing structures are largely made of wood, a choice that enhances the project’s sustainability while contributing to a warm and natural architectural language that resonates with the surrounding green areas.

The distinctive zig zag configuration of the building stems from the need to redevelop an area marked by critical site conditions, transforming it into a permeable space open to interaction and community exchange. The intersection of the volumes creates a sequence of wide and flexible spaces designed to host a variety of activities and to be enjoyed by both the school community and local residents.

The inclination of the volumes is intended to establish a direct dialogue between the school and its urban surroundings: the entrances are emphasized and become recognizable urban thresholds, true points of orientation for the neighborhood. The movement of the building masses—achieved through calibrated rotations and shifts—creates shifting views and continuously evolving perspectives, giving the structure a dynamic character both inside and out.
This architectural dynamism is reinforced by the adjacent green areas, which extend across the various levels of the building up to the rooftops, creating a continuum between nature and the built environment. This relationship strengthens the idea of a school that is open, inclusive, and deeply rooted in its landscape context.

The construction of the new school represents a public investment of €17,200,000, dedicated to creating a new urban focal point capable of fostering interaction, cultural growth, and a sense of belonging within the community of Castel Maggiore. The “D. Pelagalli” school is therefore conceived not as a simple building, but as an architectural device that generates identity, connection, and social value, becoming a reference point for present and future generations.