Italy launches tender for Stefano Boeri's vaccination pavilions amid controversy

Italy's Extraordinary Commissioner for Covid-19 Domenico Arcuri, through the government agency Invitalia, has launched a tender for the construction of 'primrose pavilions' for the vaccination campaign. The concept and corporate identity were designed pro bono by architect Stefano Boeri and presented in mid-December, sparking debate. The tender specifies technical features: approximately 315 sqm, circular plan of 20 m diameter, dry construction, with costs around €1,300/sqm + VAT. Pavilions must be completed within 30 days of contracting. The tender was published on January 20 with a deadline for offers on January 27. The number of pavilions ranges from a minimum of 21 to a maximum of 1,200, with no binding commitment to any minimum. Professor Carlo Quintelli of the University of Parma criticized the project on Facebook, questioning delivery times, costs (€8-9 million for 21 pavilions, up to half a billion for 1,200), and the scoring system (70% technical quality, 30% economic). Boeri defended the initiative as a free contribution of ideas for a massive vaccination campaign.