A New Early Childhood Education Centre on Via Villagrappa
In San Mauro Pascoli, Corbo Group is developing a new educational facility that brings together a nursery and preschool under one roof. Bright interiors, sheltered outdoor areas and thoughtfully designed learning environments support children's development through a continuous educational pathway from birth to age six.
The new Early Childhood Education Centre brings together a nursery for children aged 0 to 3, comprising three groups, and a preschool for children aged 3 to 6, also comprising three groups, within a single purpose-designed building funded through Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The project provides the local community with welcoming, accessible and sustainable educational facilities, seamlessly connected to the existing school campus.
Education and architecture come together to create an environment designed around children's development. Central communal areas encourage interaction, dedicated creative workshops provide opportunities for exploration and discovery, while sheltered porticoes extend learning activities outdoors in a safe and protected setting. The nursery and preschool feature distinct spatial layouts tailored to their respective age groups, while maintaining a coherent educational approach throughout the entire 0 to 6 age range.
A welcoming, clearly identifiable entrance leads into an intuitive network of circulation routes connecting the central communal areas, classrooms and creative workshops.
Nursery: Activity rooms are arranged radially around a central communal space, with dedicated sleeping areas and direct access to the outdoors.
Preschool: Spaces follow an orthogonal layout, with creative workshops overlooking the central communal area and classrooms oriented towards the surrounding greenery.
Accessibility and Urban Connectivity
The centre is accessible via the new roundabout on Via Villagrappa and connects with the surrounding pedestrian and cycling network. The existing car park provides safe and convenient access for families and school buses, supporting an organised and secure environment for daily arrivals and departures.
Wellbeing and Sustainability
Large glazed openings allow natural daylight to penetrate deep into the building, contributing to a comfortable indoor environment alongside carefully considered ventilation and acoustic performance. An enhanced photovoltaic system and high-efficiency heat pumps help reduce energy consumption, while sustainable construction practices have incorporated responsible water, soil and waste management, in line with circular economy principles.
The new Early Childhood Education Centre completes San Mauro Pascoli's educational infrastructure, helping to reduce daily travel and improve the quality of life for children and families. Designed to support children's development during their formative years, the facility creates an environment where education, wellbeing and social interaction come together, strengthening the relationship between the school and the wider community.