Sport and Culture Centre in the province of Reggio Emilia. Circular structure for social revival

By the people for the people: the construction site of the new Sport and Culture Centre in Bondeno, a town in the Ferrara plain that was hard hit by the earthquake of 2012, is an example of participation and solidarity that has affected the community and local and national institutions. As early as the day after the second disastrous earthquake, the leaders of Confindustria and the three national trade union confederations CGIL, CISL and UIL activated a Solidarity Fund for the population, workers and production systems affected by the earthquake, which Confservizi also later joined

Thanks to these funds, the design of the Sport and Culture Centre was entrusted to the prestigious studio Mario Cucinella Architects together with four other public projects: the dance school in Reggiolo, in the province of Reggio Emilia, the recreation centre in Quistello, in the province of Mantua, the social and health centre in San Felice sul Panaro, in the province of Modena, and the House of Music in Pieve di Cento, which was inaugurated this past May 29 in the presence of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella

The Sport and Culture Centre represents the most important symbol of the revival of social life in Bondeno: the new building is located to the east of the town centre, in a strategic area from the urban point of view because it is already characterized by the presence of an important sports structure. The project involves the simultaneous presence of cylindrical volumes accessible and connected by paths at high altitude. The architectural design is inspired by the rural landscape and the typical activities of the area, reminiscent of the circular bales of hay that dot the fields after harvesting. Supported by structures made of concrete, steel and wood that create evocative circular environments open to the landscape, the Sports and Culture Centre will host several activities: gym, theater, cinema, conference room. A photovoltaic system will contribute to the production of energy from renewable solar sources

One of the most innovative and original aspects of the operation is the team of designers formed by Mario Cucinella and six young architects and engineers below 30 who, starting from the requests of the population, in close collaboration with the municipal and regional institutions and the structure of the Commissioner for Reconstruction, have developed the projects. The new buildings are therefore a synthesis of the experience and professionalism of one of the most established Italian architects in the world, of a team of emerging professionals open to innovation and of the teamwork carried out with the technical offices of the local administrations

In order to confirm the creative component of the project, the cladding system uses the elegant Schüco solution on wood, characterized by flexibility, lightness and excellent energy performance. The Schüco AOC 50 TI.SI system was created to combine aesthetics, transparency and high performance with minimum profile thicknesses and the possibility of developing large windows. The volumes under construction are characterized by extreme transparency and the simple design of the facades, capable of making the interior spaces particularly bright and pleasant. The elevations have also been equipped with sunshades and blackout systems, so as to ensure low energy consumption and maximum functionality of the rooms

Its ability to successfully face the challenge of complexity posed by these architectural peculiarities. And it is precisely because of its advanced engineering services and technical and design consultancy that Schüco Italia has always worked alongside the biggest names in world architecture