L’edilizia scolastica del secondo Novecento in Italia: memoria, eredità e sfide dell’adeguamento / School building heritage in Italy in the second half of the twentieth century: memory, legacy and adaptation challenges

Abstract

School buildings from the second half of the 20^th century represent a substantial heritage with innovative features in terms of educational spaces: in few decades, there has been an intense experimentation in scholar architecture. Schools are often still in use, although requirements are constantly changing (and will continue to evolve): many of them have recently undergone transformations and adaptations, necessary but not always respectful of their original characteristics and negatively influencing the overall functionality. This may lead to the loss of innovative aspects that closely linked pedagogical and didactic theories with design capabilities. The aim of preserving interventions on school buildings is increasingly focusing on their testimonial and architectural value, without compromising the proper use nowadays. It is necessary to increase knowledge, identify appropriate models of intervention (first of all for safety), and adapt them consistently to current and future needs.