
The design for the new Tagliabue Kindergarten in Villasanta, Italy, is centered on the concept of the circle, a symbol of harmony and balance. The circular shape not only serves as an aesthetic choice but also creates a welcoming and nurturing environment for young children.

The circle's inherent lack of sharp corners and angles fosters a sense of continuity and stability, crucial for creating a serene atmosphere in early childhood education settings. This essential and reassuring form resonates with young users, providing a non-intimidating space that encourages focus and sensory exploration.

The circle's symbolism of unity and continuity positively impacts children's perception of spaces, promoting a sense of belonging and connection to their surroundings.

The circular design maximizes space utilization, eliminating dead corners and inaccessible areas, enabling an efficient arrangement of classrooms, corridors, and common spaces around a central core.

This optimal layout promotes socialization, cooperation, and a sense of belonging, creating an educational environment that maximizes interaction and sharing, enhancing the efficiency and fluidity of school activities.One of the building's levels is sunken, creating a child-scaled environment that reflects and facilitates the activities of young learners. This sunken level features a central garden, a green oasis overlooking mixed-use activities and functions. This natural space provides a tranquil retreat for various activities while also stimulating interaction and vitality, ensuring an immersive and integrated experience within the building.

The integration of mixed-use activities in this space fosters a sense of unity and harmony, creating a fluid and dynamic environment that promotes children's well-being and development. Placing the primary functions in a nature-connected setting offers a unique opportunity to promote experiential and multisensory learning, aligning with the values of inclusion, creativity, and connection to the surrounding environment.

The architectural concept incorporates two distinct green areas, each with a specific identity and function. The internal courtyard, designed as a lush oasis with a central tree, conveys a sense of calm and contemplation, inviting children to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of serenity and sharing. The central plant element symbolizes growth and vitality, adding a touch of spirituality to the educational context.

The external green space is shaped with soft and welcoming curves, designed to encourage playful and creative interaction among students. Shaded, isolated rooftops create outdoor rest and play areas, allowing children to freely explore their surroundings in complete safety and tranquility.

The school will be constructed using a combination of concrete and wood. The ground floor, adjacent to the ground, will feature a reinforced concrete load-bearing structure up to the ground floor level, from which the wooden load-bearing structure will rise. Timber bioclimatic architectures offer numerous advantages, including high energy efficiency thanks to wood's natural insulating properties, which promote thermal control of environments and reduce energy consumption.An advanced high-efficiency thermal system, powered by electric heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, will be integrated, reducing the environmental impact and long-term energy costs. The use of photovoltaic panels allows for the generation of clean energy on-site, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and promoting the environmental sustainability of the building.

The design for the Tagliabue Kindergarten prioritizes the well-being and development of young learners, creating a stimulating and nurturing environment that fosters a sense of belonging, creativity, and connection to the surrounding environment. The circular shape, integrated green spaces, and sustainable construction features contribute to a holistic approach that promotes both educational excellence and environmental stewardship.
