Studio Ricatti has revealed their design for a new university in the Arcispedale San'Anna in Cona-Ferrara Italy. In a competition hosted by the University of Ferrara, the firm was awarded second place for the proposal, which was characterized by clarity of form, efficient flow, and a balance between intimate and social spaces.
More about the winning entry, after the break.
The programs involved are organized hierarchically as public or private, with the corridors, library, study hall, and faculty spaces embedded amongst secluded garden patios on the upper floor. Classrooms with expansive openings are connected by large corridors that double as spaces for social interaction and accommodation for university events. A central open-air courtyard serves as a keystone around which these programs are coordinated, with a bar and restaurant connected to the southeast end.
The experience of procession is shaped by a succession of open and closed spaces, encouraging a fluid interaction between interior and exterior, courtyard and classroom, and university building with the surrounding context. This depth of space is visible when looking towards the courtyard from the street side entrance, further reinforcing the impact of the enclosure as a significant meeting point and reception area. This balance of hidden and revealed space is augmented by a system of opening screens. While the building appears compact from the street, veiled cladding with metallic netting, designed to optimize light, prevent glare and overheating, unfold to reveal expansive curtain wall glazing.
The screens, along with the building envelope, are constructed of high-quality, wear resistant copper alloys which creates a highly distinguishable building facade and grants it a unique presence within the hospital complex. The sparing use of color, clear geometries, and simple treatment of material surfaces expose the intention of a neutral and sober design aesthetic in order to foster a tranquil and positive educational environment.
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Competition
New University in the “Arcispedale Sant’Anna” in Cona (Ferrara) – Italy -
Award
2nd Place -
Architects
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Location
Via Moro Aldo, 8, 44100 Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy -
Project Leader
Pierpaolo Ricatti -
Structural Engineer
Milan Ingegneria Srl -
Utility Engineer
Prisma Engineering Srl -
Geologist
Jacopo De Rossi -
Engineers
Marco Chilese, Luca Brusegan, Giovanni Molteni -
Project Year
2014
