Commissioned at the beginning of the 70s during a weak economic period, the project needed to adjust for the problems of the town government while still ensuring a fully functional, quality building that would remain so over the years. In fact, forty years on from its construction, the complex is virtually unchanged, thanks to the choice of materials and the constant, thorough maintenance. Construction was carried out in two phases: the block containing the classrooms was built first, and then the gym. The two blocks were part of an overall organic concept, which also took account of the adjacent long, low kindergarten. Thus the new school merged harmoniously into the context of the pre-existing pavilions. The plans for the interior spaces reveal a particular awareness of the size requirements of the classrooms, the horizontal and vertical circulation patterns, and the need for large communal spaces that would be used especially in the winter. The gym, built at a later time, was mostly set underground in order to allow the large volumes to remain harmonious while not sacrificing light for the interior. The complex serves as a gathering place for a variety of games and sports activities for the entire community. Camponovo had the satisfaction of seeing his own daughters and grandchildren attend school in the building he had designed and built.
Giampiero Camponovo
1975
Breganzona
Projects, Public Buildings