C+S architects stamps 'noah's ark' nursery school with enzo mari's animals

noah’s ark: A Modern nursery school Rooted in Tradition

C+S Architects has unveiled its latest project, the Noah’s Ark nursery school, located in the historic park of Villa Paglia, Alzano Lombardo, Italy. The project, which took five years to complete, represents a forward-thinking approach to educational architecture, emphasizing transparency, energy sustainability, and community engagement. With a youthful design, the structure its infused with the iconic motifs from the familiar animal puzzle by Enzo Mari.

The Noah’s Ark nursery school is a new 3,380 square meters structure within Villa Paglia’s park, a heritage site protected by the Italian Heritage Department. Designed by Carlo Cappai and Maria Alessandra Segantini of C+S Architects, the school is intended to foster creativity, interaction, and community involvement. Speaking on the design, Maria Alessandra Segantini explained: ‘This school represents an innovative approach to designing educational spaces — an act of breaking down barriers that, through transparency and intervisibility, fosters socialization and creativity among children, their teachers, families, and the entire surrounding community.’

images © Alessandra Bello

C+S Architects’ Tribute to Alzano Lombardo’s Heritage

The design team at C+S Architects sites its Noah’s Ark nursery school on what was once the vegetable garden of Villa Paglia. The site is marked by a series of historical elements, including pergolas and stone walls that integrate into the new school’s design. By incorporating these existing features and adding new ones, such as a red-pigmented concrete retaining wall, C+S Architects ensured that the school blends harmoniously with its surroundings. ‘We conceived this school building with the idea of creating a space that could be used by the entire community,’ Segantini noted.

The design draws inspiration from Alzano Lombardo’s industrial past. The school’s shed roof, visible upon arrival, references the town’s history as a center for concrete production, while the white glass mosaic tiles that clad the school honor Italy’s post-war design masters. These materials, alongside bronze-framed windows, create a contrast with the natural landscape and bring the industrial heritage into a modern educational setting.

C+S Architects completes Noah’s Ark nursery school in Alzano Lombardo, Italy

Playful Design Elements and Childhood Memories

One of the more personal touches of the design comes from Segantini’s memories of playing with Enzo Mari’s animal puzzle as a child. This inspired the team to engrave animal figures along a red concrete ramp leading to the school. ‘I wanted every child to feel that warmth in my school—that sense of being together, that joy of playing while learning,’ Segantini shared. These playful elements create a sense of connection between the children and their environment.

Inside, the school’s design emphasizes openness and flexibility. The layout is tripartite, with a central hall connecting different wings, allowing for a variety of uses beyond standard educational activities. Large windows and internal courtyards ensure that natural light floods into the building, creating an environment that invites both learning and play. ‘We have designed a ‘space of potential,’ where every area can be transformed by the creativity of the teachers or the community that surrounds it,’ said Carlo Cappai.

playful elements like animal engravings inspired by Enzo Mari’s puzzle are featured along the ramp

The school is designed to adapt to different teaching methods and activities. Classrooms can be transformed into art studios, digital labs, or performance spaces, while the central hall can be used for community events outside school hours. This flexibility makes the Noah’s Ark nursery school not only an educational space but also a cultural hub for the entire Alzano Lombardo community.

In line with modern sustainability standards, Noah’s Ark nursery school is classified as a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB). It uses alternative energy sources to minimize environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency. The project is a model for future public buildings, combining functional design with a commitment to sustainability.

The project was born from the need to replace an outdated 1950s school with a modern, more accessible building. Mayor Camillo Bertocchi explained: ‘The decision was made to rebuild the school in a location with better solar and climatic exposure, promoting accessibility and proximity to public services. It is a building designed to support new learning models, providing a welcoming and flexible space.’

the school is located in the historic park of Villa Paglia

transparency and community engagement is emphasized, fostering socialization and creativity

1/12

16 Animali Puzzle, Enzo Mari

project info:

name: Noah’s Ark Nursery School

architect: C+S Architects | @c_sarchitects

location: Alzano, Lombardo, Italy

client: Municipality of Alzano Lombardo
lead designers: Carlo Cappai e Maria Alessandra Segantini, C+S ARCHITECTS,
project manager: Maria Alessandra Segantini with Tommaso Iaiza, Stefano Di Daniel, C+S ARCHITECTS
structures: Sergio Myallonier, Myallonier Ingegneria srl
MEP: Enrico Zambonelli, Loris Doneda, MCZ Ingegneria srl
acoustics: Andrea Breviario
contractor: Impresa Perico, Giacomo Algisi, Enrico Signorelli, Andrea Persico