Nido BLU at the Festival of Architecture in Rome: an exemplary model for sustainable architecture.

The first Festival of Architecture in Rome held 9-12 June 2010 saw the presentation of Nido Blu as an exemplary model of sustainable architecture for schools. Selected by ADA, an architecture studio specialising in bio-architecture and consultant for ENI, Nido Blu was among the protagonists of ARTown, the workshop for children held at “Campo dei Tornei” in Villa Torlonia, a very special initiative of the Festival intended to encourage awareness of architectural themes and topics even among children. There were many reasons why the organisers chose Nido Blu for ARTown: it is a company kindergarten inspired by a far-reaching business vision and a project that takes into account not only its youthful users and intended socio-educational function but also the local area and the environment.

Strongly promoted by Prisma, a company belonging to the Performance In Lighting group, Nido Blu is located in Colognola ai Colli, near Verona, where the company has its head offices, and is open not only to company employees but also to residents. Inaugurated in 2002, Nido Blu has won numerous prizes and awards – the most recent in February from the Veneto Region as an example of Company Social Responsibility. The project implemented by Rubner with the assistance of Prisma experts is decidedly original – and so innovative that it is still a model today eight years from its launch: the structure is entirely in wood, the furnishings were exclusively chosen in natural materials, natural ventilation and lighting are promoted, as well as thermal-acoustic comfort. In 3650 square metres (400 inside), 32 children become the true protagonists of every space and design choice. From the study of light and colours to the organisation of service areas – such as the kitchen, which children are usually not allowed to enter but here on the other hand equipped to be lived and used also by them. In the same way, the outside area was also designed to be a space rich in experiences made-to-measure for children. The lawn, flowers, fruit trees, aromatic plants and the farm with courtyard animals become special places for learning through play. More than just a project, Nido Blu continues to emerge as an interesting experience proving that true architecture can only be the result of shared thinking and design.