Stefano Boeri designs 'forest classrooms' for Pollenzo gastronomic university
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, established by Slow Food in 2004, is undergoing renovations. The historic site is being reimagined by Stefano Boeri Interiors, incorporating adaptable, eco-friendly areas such as 'Aule bosco' (forest classrooms) that link various facilities to a newly designed courtyard. The Pollenzo 2.0 initiative aims to accommodate the expanding student body and promote inclusive learning, effectively doubling the campus's footprint and renovating the 'Casa della Segreteria' structure. Drawing inspiration from Black Mountain College, école de plein air de Suresnes, and Richard Neutra's Corona Avenue School, the university will prioritize the organization and sharing of knowledge. Carlo Petrini, the University President, highlighted the significance of this project for student development and the revitalization of a historic site.
Key facts
- University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo founded in 2004 by Slow Food with Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna regions
- Stefano Boeri Interiors renovating for 20th anniversary with open, flexible, green spaces
- Temporary wooden structures called 'Aule bosco' (forest classrooms) connect library, cafeteria, labs, offices to new internal courtyard
- Campus will double in size, repurposing historic 'Casa della Segreteria' building transferred from Savoy heirs in 1958
- Boeri inspired by Black Mountain College (North Carolina), école de plein air de Suresnes (France), and Richard Neutra's Corona Avenue School (Los Angeles)
- Two poles: knowledge organization (administrative, faculty, Agenzia di Pollenzo, Tavole accademiche with 225 sqm versatile cafeteria) and knowledge transmission (new lot with central courtyard, classrooms, auditorium, sensory labs, library, secretariat)
- Deconsecrated Chiesa della Madonnina becomes Granai della memoria for local history study via video and documents
- Carlo Petrini: project accompanies student growth and gives new life to historic building
Entities
Artists
- Stefano Boeri
- Carlo Petrini
- John Andrew Rice
- Theodore Dreiser
- Eugène Beaudouin
- Marcel Lods
- Richard Neutra
- Carlo Alberto di Savoia
Institutions
- University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo
- Slow Food
- Stefano Boeri Interiors
- Black Mountain College
- école de plein air de Suresnes
- Corona Avenue School
- Agenzia di Pollenzo
- Tavole accademiche
- Casa della Segreteria
- Chiesa della Madonnina
- Granai della memoria
Locations
- Pollenzo
- Piedmont
- Emilia Romagna
- Langhe
- Milan
- North Carolina
- Blue Ridge Mountains
- Suresnes
- Los Angeles
- Italy