Inclusive permeable school environments

Is it possible to conceive a school as an urban ecosystem? We developed a research by design experience, focused on a architectural project of a complex for primary school, kindergarten and nursery school, conceived as an urban ecosystem interacting with the multi-ethnic community characterizing the Lunetta neighborhood in the Italian city of Mantua. Innovative teaching methodologies are related to 3 main strategies at an architectural level: extension of teaching activities towards the exterior spaces; visual intertwining and proximity between quiet area and classroom spaces; wide opening between common spaces and patios. This design is able to promote a naturalistic intelligence through the concept of “biophilia”, so that the “outside” represents a “third educator”, where to experiment innovative teaching methodologies, didactic application of ecological principles and promote an “authentically ecological pedagogical concept”.