See our sustainbe learning space :

https://youtu.be/E5a00OdjUTk?si=HEwroMTUmNXdjZR7

1. Introduction and Objectives (How we arrived at this learning space)

The idea of creating a sustainable outdoor learning space arose from the need to align the growth of our school with sustainability principles. Liceo “Enrico Fermi” is a highly regarded and successful school, which each year admits a large number of new students, including those from neighboring areas. Consequently, the school’s indoor spaces are fully occupied by classes, limiting the availability of rooms for alternative educational activities.

The solution was found in an outdoor area: a previously unused garden/plot within the school grounds. Here, the need arose to apply circular economy concepts in practice.

Collaboration with students, teachers, and the technician (architect) was essential throughout all phases of the project. Students in particular contributed significantly to the generation of ideas, and in the subsequent planning phases, regular meetings between students and the architect took place to define all the details of the sustainable outdoor space.

Our main goal was to demonstrate that “nothing is created or destroyed, everything is transformed,” according to the principles of the circular economy, an economic system based on the reuse of materials in consecutive production cycles, reducing waste and conserving natural resources.

The circular philosophy of the project is based on five fundamental principles:

  • Eco-design
  • Modularity & Versatility
  • Clean Energy
  • Ecosystem Approach
  • Materials Recovery

Overcoming Climatic Challenges
Although it is an outdoor learning space under a pergola without walls, potential limitations for winter use were considered. Since temperatures in Sicily are almost always mild and climatic conditions favorable, the space can be used practically year-round, including winter months.
This continuous usability supports learning in contact with nature, a systemic approach that makes resource use more efficient and provides a more stimulating learning environment than conventional classrooms.

2. Process Description and Implementation (Presenting the process, realization, photos of steps)

The project aimed to make the selected area – the school’s garden plot, enclosed by a concrete wall and containing native Mediterranean plants – suitable for educational use.
Implementation included the installation of sustainable and removable structures that comply with free construction regulations and circular economy guidelines.

The work was divided into two main areas: vegetation care and installation of structures for a versatile learning space.

Application of the 5 Principles in the Project:

  • Eco-design:
    The design respected the site and existing flora, installing bio-sustainable structures to enhance the area.
    • A curved wooden walkway (autoclave-treated pine) with floating decking made of grooved planks was constructed.
    • Benches and waste bins made of wood were installed along the path and anchored to the ground.
    • The area was upgraded with lawn restoration and a flowering hedge along the perimeter. Existing pine trees (Pinus pinea) provide shade and improve comfort during hot periods.
  • Modularity & Versatility:
    The central structure is a pergola, ideal for its flexibility and ease of assembly, compliant with free construction guidelines.
    • The pergola is made of autoclave-treated pine wood.
    • Support posts are anchored in special wooden planters, serving both as decoration and support. This ensures stability, allows temporary installation, and is sustainable, as permanent concrete works are avoided.
    • The roof consists of double beams and eco-friendly materials: bamboo mats. For waterproofing, a sandwich construction with an opaque fiberglass sheet was used.
  • Clean Energy:
    Integration of photovoltaics is key, as it produces clean, renewable energy without CO₂ emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
    • The solar panel installation makes the project energy-independent.
    • The generated energy powers essential facilities of the learning space, lighting, and a water pond for water play.
  • Ecosystem Approach:
    This systemic approach aims for longer and more efficient use of resources by keeping materials in circulation as long as possible, generating fewer greenhouse gases.
    • Material flow is divided into two cycles: technical and biological.
    • In the technical cycle, materials (e.g., modular wooden elements) remain in use through reuse, repair, and recycling.
    • In the biological cycle, nutrients from biological materials are returned to the soil via composting, regenerating it.
  • Materials Recovery:
    This principle focuses on reuse and recycling to extend product life and turn waste into new resources.
    • A prime example is the wood cycle, whose lifespan can theoretically be infinite, offering ecological and economic benefits.