The ABF ‘Maria Manetti Shrem’ Education Centre in Florence has officially opened its doors. Designed by renowned architectural studio Alvisi Kirimoto and supported by the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, this first-of-its-kind venue aims to improve educational conditions for hospitalised children and young people. The project, part of ABF’s H-LABS initiative for schools in hospitals, supports the right to quality education in difficult settings such as Italian paediatric hospitals.
Education through art and music
The ABF ‘Maria Manetti Shrem’ centre offers a comprehensive education to hospitalised children and young people every day. In addition to supporting the initiative of schools in hospitals, the venue enriches existing socio-educational programmes. Activities are organised in collaboration with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, the Meyer Hospital, the Meyer Foundation and educational institutions for therapy through contact with animals, laughter therapy and music therapy.
Architectural design by Alvisi Kirimoto in harmony with nature
The modern education pavilion is located in the northern part of the hospital complex, surrounded by greenery. Situated on a gentle hill, it blends in perfectly with the landscape while providing a tranquil space for learning and play. The most distinctive architectural feature is the lightweight curved roof, in keeping with the hospital’s latest extensions. Under the roof are multifunctional educational spaces with panoramic views of the sensory gardens, designed for environmental education and therapy, among other things. The entire structure of the building creates an atmosphere of safety and exploration, resembling a lightweight, floating surface that provides a refuge for the learning children.
Modern educational spaces
The centrepiece of the complex is a music laboratory in the shape of an oval ‘music box’, suitable for concerts, performances, film screenings and lectures. The interior of the laboratory has been carefully designed for acoustics, with sound-absorbing surfaces, micro-perforated ceilings and modern audio systems. Next to the music lab are further educational zones: The Coding and STEM Zone, dedicated to the study of virtual reality and robotics, the Digital and Reading Zone, equipped with modern technology and a library for individual and group learning, the Art and Science Laboratory, a place for experimentation and creative development, and the Adult Zone, designed for family gatherings and individual conversations. In addition, the complex includes a warehouse and a technical room with an ecological roof leading to the garden.
Modern technology and sustainable architecture from Alvisi Kirimoto
The linking element between the education centre and the hospital is a glazed corridor providing convenient access throughout the year. Its lightweight construction and double glazing allow natural light into the interior while maintaining thermal comfort. The materials used in the construction of the centre harmonise with the hospital’s latest extensions. The transparent façade connects the interior with the surrounding nature, and an automatic shading system protects the rooms from excessive sunlight. The structure of the pavilion combines concrete and steel – the foundations and the central part of the building are made of reinforced concrete to provide seismic resistance, while the columns and roof consist of lightweight steel elements, giving the structure a lightweight feel.
Space for education, therapy and development
The Florence project by studio Alvisi Kirimoto combines nature, music and sensory exploration to create a tranquil sanctuary amidst greenery. It is a place where hospitalised children can not only acquire knowledge, but also develop emotionally and socially through contact with nature, art and modern technology. The ABF ‘Maria Manetti Shrem’ Centre is a new dimension of education in hospitals – innovative, inspiring and tailored to the needs of the youngest patients.
Design: Alvisi Kirimoto studio
Design team: Massimo Alvisi, Junko Kirimoto , Daniel Costa Garriga, Silvia Rinalduzzi
Opening: 2024
Area: 250 sq m. (pavilion), 1900 sq m. (outdoor area)
Photography: Marco Cappelletti
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