Design: Comoglio architetti
Photography: Beppe Giardino
“Università del Dialogo” (University of Dialogue) is a project that involves the restoration of Padiglione dei Forni (the Pavilion of the Furnaces), in the former Military Arsenal.
The old building’s structure has been restored and organized through a linear sequence of 5 classrooms on the ground floor, linked by sliding walls that, once totally open, could create a single big open space. At the ends of this space there are two flight of steps facing each others. The platforms focus the view on the central floor that can be seen as a real stage for shows and public meetings, with the sliding partitions as backstage.
The wooden flooring creates a unique surface that unifies the space of the different classrooms with the two flight of steps, giving the feeling of a warm and lively environment.
The classrooms are separated by a glazed corridor that offers a splendid sight of the green area outside, and provides side illumination at the same time.
The garden completes the “Università del Dialogo” project with a green space dedicated to relax and contemplation of Nature, that can become a gathering place or an area for an outdoor celebration of rituals. Stone, green and water are the elements that keep the balance of this little idyllic spot obtained from the converted industrial buildings. A small stretch of water assumes the form of a stream that leaves a smooth trace on the ground. The stretch of water is fed by a little waterfall that pours water from a small stone installation. Several shrubs species enrich the naturalistic aspect of the garden and its ornamental and contemplative nature. In order to leave the central space available for meetings and gathering of groups, the vegetation and all the landscape construction elements are arranged along the side of the court. That’s the reason why the garden has maintained the character of a “square”, a meeting space.