The Italian piazza is the main reference that Branch Studio Architects used for the renovation of the administrative and shared spaces of a school in Victoria, Australia. Inspired by those unique public spaces that connect architecture, history, culture and community life, the architects designed a covered space that allows students, teachers and school staff to meet.
The use of cardboard tubes allows economical architectural solutions without renouncing to a sculptural and contemporary environment. The curved walls generate fluid and interconnected spaces, which have different programs: private and shared offices, meeting rooms, rest areas and meeting niches.
The urban character of Branch Studio Architects’ renovation is also given by the flooring, which with its radial design recalls those of the Italian historical centres. Other fundamental elements in defining the nature of the project are the entrance arches that connect the various rooms and the artificial lighting, whose soft light is inspired by the classic and neoclassical porticos.
“Our pedagogical objective was to create a space, which reduced the visual barriers between staff and student interactions. A space where day-to-day administration practices could occur but, as the space also caters for student welfare, where students could feel comfortable meeting up with a staff member and have a chat” explain the Australian architects.
- Project:
- Piazza dell’ufficio
- Program:
- renovation
- Location:
- Victoria, Australia
- Architect:
- Branch Studio Architects
- Design team:
- Brad Wray, Nicholas Russo, Jax Lam
- Structural engineering:
- Perrett Simpson
- Contractor:
- Martin Builders
- Area:
- 275 mq
- Completion:
- 2018