That presented several problems with space and the need for different distribution solutions. The most important thing was to solve all those problems by means of our architecture while being able, at the same time, to maintain the system’s integrity and to still optimize the design. Three keywords: RED/COLORED: the chromatic theme followed us since the very beginning and we wanted to keep it because of the lack of the color in the neighborhood. RESPECTFUL: of people who use it: students and neighborhood residents. We designed a building that fits into the existing framework without changing it, without overloading it. SOCIAL/OPEN: the project in addition to playing its role as a container for the faculty training is also designed to act as a social space for children. The large central atrium and stair terns (a macrostructure that provides safety paths and escape routes, 6m in width) are places where students can gather and spend their time or chat; they are spaces that we have designed to be lived in. I would like to add another keyword. ECONOMIC: a project realized while maintaining low costs without sacrificing quality. This is the project that allowed us to grow and understand that architecture is well done only when you can see it realized. We viewed the construction site along with all those who worked with us on the project, once the facilities had been completed and we were beginning to add the finishing touches. To see the amazement in everyone’s eyes when something we designed was realized filled us with satisfaction. V.T. 05: Have you seen Tor Bella Monaca project? What do you think about that? SPSK+: The first thought that comes to mind is that the city is imagined in a hallucinatory way. One can’t apply such an urban vision on a real city and say: “now you’re 6.000, tomorrow you’ll be 15.000, you won’t have towers but small brick houses so then you may be happy. “ A) Who’s going to build those small houses? B) How many do we need to relocate the entire neighborhood? C) How can you tell people “we’re going to destroy and reconstruct everything because you’re living in the archetype of decay?” Tor Bella Monaca has a social identity as Corviale, together they are topics of discussion. The city has metabolized them, they’ve survived as districts, a lot of families are living there, and they have a long history behind them marked by the unhealthy suburbs mark. It’s easier to think about demolition than about restoration. V.T. 06: Today, architecture is a trend. Unspecialized magazines depict it as an installation, a brand, etc. Is this just a passing trend or is it the course of evolution? SPSK+: It’s a trend, of course. Recent studies have shown that we are the third sexiest profession in the world! Architecture becomes the background for advertising. Do you promote a material or an innovative product? Try putting Gehry’s Guggenheim in the background. Architects are stressed dynamics you can “use” them for analgesic advertisement. The negative aspect of its being fashionable, unfortunately, is that many first-year students choosing architecture are affected by this kind of communication. Architecture equals fashion!
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1. Faculty of Umanisties Science “La Sapienza” - Rome interior 2. Faculty of Umanisties Science “La Sapienza” - Rome main elevation
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V.T. 07: You said that a nursery for a big client, private or public, is one of those projects that every architect should aim to achieve at least once in their life. In our country there are very few examples of such projects housed in inappropriate containers. Your project was realized in an 80’s office building. What were the guidelines that emerged in the design phase that would fit well with its function? SPSK+: BNL nursery was a very exciting project because of its social theme, and we really enjoyed working on it. Put together the definition of architectural space as an educational tool with the creation of a social support structure and you’ll immediately give