The project for the new school complex in Porto Sant’Elpidio was conceived with the aim of creating a place that goes beyond the traditional educational function, becoming an open and shared space capable of welcoming the entire community. The outdoor areas have been designed as multifunctional spaces for sport, events and socialising, taking the form of genuine public squares dedicated to meeting, relaxing and leisure. The aim is to make the complex a focal point for the local area, contributing to the enhancement and development of the surrounding area.
The design inspiration stems from two elements closely linked to local identity: the meshes of fishing nets, shaped by time and use, and the beehive, a symbol featured in the town’s coat of arms. These images have guided the creation of a rigorous and efficient architectural design, conceived as a place for connection, intergenerational exchange and growth for young people.
The complex consists of two complementary buildings. The first houses exclusively the areas dedicated to school activities, providing safe and functional spaces for teaching. The second, on the other hand, has been designed to be used outside school hours as well, expanding the range of services on offer and making the spaces accessible to the public. This layout allows for a more flexible and efficient use of the entire complex, encouraging its use throughout the day.
The interior spaces interact constantly with the exterior ones, both functionally and perceptually, creating a continuous and open system. The two buildings are linked by a system of canopies that defines the new public entrance square, conceived as a place for people to meet and as a link between the school and the town.