Project finalist for the OICE 2024 Awards - category "Concrete construction projects"

The design for the Romanazzi Institute in Bari combined clean, geometric forms on the exterior with more sinuous lines on the interior, the result of a careful analysis of the context, with the aim of becoming a new landmark for the neighbourhood. One of the main issues addressed was the highly congested site and the high demand for functional floor space. To overcome this challenge, a design solution was adopted that minimised the building’s footprint whilst optimising the available space to the full.
The project’s concept draws inspiration from Bari’s theatrical tradition, both in terms of form and pedagogy. The building figuratively evokes the idea of a theatre: at the heart of the design lies an ‘educational stage’ that runs vertically through the entire volume of the building, becoming the beating heart of communal activities.
The layout emphasises the entrances and enhances the outdoor space created by the reduced footprint. The outdoor area is designed to extend sporting activities, creating a sheltered space between the two school buildings adjacent to the I.I.S.S., which have been completely redesigned.