THE GREEN ACADEMY

2016 Entry for Young Architects Competition

Transitional Progression. From an old paper factory to a didactic cultural landmark - the Green Academy will be a center of environmental awareness. . The Architecture of Marzabotto’s old paper factory creates an impression of beauty in time. Staying true to Nervi’s intention of highlighting the skeletal framework, the transformation of the factory will serve as a catalyst in bringing awareness to efficient and sustainable building systems. This thrust, together with eco-sustainability on all aspects of the spaces within the grounds, ensure a unique beacon of hope for the future.

Critical negotiation between the old and the new is achieved through mimicry and dissection. The palette of the original structure was analyzed and contrasted with a lighter steel framework and a more porous brick pattern. This strategy creates a cohesive tension between the two sides and makes the whole complex stand out harmoniously with its context.

Navigation through the whole complex is one seamless experience, upwards from levels 0 to 3 and horizontally from left to right. All spaces are connected through a series of pathways that traverse the public in one continuous track and bisect the more private areas providing a glimpse of these zones as part of the interactive educational tour. . These series of passageways infused throughout the structure are reminiscent of the famous Porticoes of Bologna. There is an easy transition between the different zones and guests are continually immersed in learning similar to the enclosure the artistically painted arcades provide. The soft intrusion of the new wing onto the existing brings a paradigm where negotiation is key in producing a transitional progression in architecture. Evolving a space where the juncture of traditional and contemporary are progressed through critical dilution.