A new multipurpose centre in Soffranco. The restoration, upgrading and enlargement of a disused elementary school.

The former elementary school of Soffranco, built during the thirties of the 20th century and for long unused and left abandoned, has been the object of works of upgrading, restoration and enlargement, respecting the constructive features and existing materials of the building, typical of local architecture. It is located in a panoramic position inside the old inhabited village area. The relevant external areas have been modified with the purpose of converting the space into an important gathering place for the small local community (80 people). The restoration project meets the needs of the small community of having a point of reference where they can gather together and get the chance to socialize. In fact, the new multipurpose centre comprises two halls – capable of giving hospitality to gatherings, art exhibitions or public meetings – as well as external spaces for playing and relaxing. The restoration works have entailed the elimination of some of the internal partition walls and false ceilings, the upgrading of the masonry, floors and roofs, and the creation of an external body containing the new staircase. Respecting the old local building tradition, the new staircase is situated on the East side of the building, facing the valley and parallel to the main road. The staircase is simple, plain and without any superfluous decorations, in line with the guide-lines that have inspired all restoration works. The numerous transparent openings of the new body, which is covered with horizontal staves made of pre-oxidized copper - give people new opportunities for admiring the village and the landscape. Long and narrow windows – treated like pictorial and spectacular elements – assume great importance for whoever is walking along the main road: in fact, in the dark these openings become similar to lamps, which, through the chromatic variations of the lights installed, tell us what is going on inside the building. The structure is expressive and communicates a sense of austerity, clearly excluding any accessorial architectural elements and privileging the use of simple and minimal shapes which do not excessively interfere with the surrounding landscape. The interiors have been restored paying attention to the details, thus ensuring the harmony of the whole structure. We have not attempted to adapt the building to pre-established canons, but we have preferred to adopt functional and precise solutions in order to meet the practical issues involved.