Italy Launches Unprecedented Competition for 212 New Schools

Italy's Ministry of Education has announced a competition for the design and construction of 212 new school buildings, funded with €1.189 billion from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Minister Patrizio Bianchi called it "unprecedented for the number of areas involved and the synergy deployed, with a strong social value." 42.4% of funds are reserved for southern regions. The competition, structured as multiple territorial contests in two phases, requires interdisciplinary teams including pedagogists, educators, and tech experts. Guidelines titled "Futura. Progettare, costruire e abitare la scuola" were presented at Triennale Milano in May 2022, drafted by experts including architects Renzo Piano, Stefano Boeri, Mario Cucinella, and others. The document emphasizes sustainable materials, low environmental impact, flexible classrooms, and outdoor learning spaces. The first phase submissions are due August 23-25, 2022, with five finalists per area advancing to the second phase for technical-economic feasibility projects. Francesco Miceli, President of the National Council of Architects (CNAPPC), praised the collaboration. The competition is managed via CNAPPC's platform concorsiawn.it.