laprimastanza turns greenhouse into center for reimagining ecological practices in bologna

Laprimastanza creates a center for ecological imagination

Serra Madre, a cultural production center conceived by Kilowatt, reimagines the relationship between humans and nature by transforming an old greenhouse into a hybrid space for creative and ecological innovation. The design by Laprimastanza fosters ecological animation through a dialogue between art, science, and technology, with a focus on reshaping urban life and combating climate change through cultural practices. Opened in September 2024 within Le Serre dei Giardini Margherita in Bologna, Serra Madre hosts a range of residencies, workshops, exhibitions, and public activities.

Innovative sustainability solutions such as green landscaping and an algae cultivation system powered by rainwater enhance the center’s environmental impact, allowing it to absorb up to 27 tons of CO2 annually. Across the program, bioacoustic and ecoacoustic installations, capable of sensitizing and educating through hyper-realistic immersive environments, engage audiences in the realities of the climate crisis, merging scientific data with artistic expression.

serre madre hosts creative workshop and exhibition spaces

The structure is conceived as a porous and exchangeable space that contains and protects — nurturing artistic practices while engaging with scientific research. Residencies, workshops, exhibitions, and public programs allow for the exploration of ecological themes, positioning the space as a hub for cross-disciplinary collaboration. It also incorporates advanced technologies, contributing to ongoing research into sustainable living and environmental awareness.

As the third chapter in the regeneration of the Serre dei Giardini Margherita, Serra Madre reflects a dynamic and evolving vision of urban space, reflecting it as a continuous work in progress rather than a rigid and static project. ‘Serra Madre is a transparent, free, fluid, liquid space, almost like a body of water that feels the pushes and counter-pushes of social and political transformations, of artistic and poetic emotions, creating seductive vortexes,’ notes the team at Laprimastanza. The Italian firm conceives a layout symbolizes the need for a delicate equilibrium between ecological and human well-being.

Serra Madre demonstrates how it is possible to preserve and enhance existing resources instead of consuming new ones, turning them into opportunities for rebirth and community. Beyond its architectural design, the space embraces innovative ecological solutions. The engulfing greenery on the site is an integral part of a regeneration approach designed as a tool to combat climate change: each plant was evaluated based on the amount of CO2 it can absorb. Therefore, Laprimastanza has selected fast-growing plants to ensure significant CO2 absorption, thus strengthening the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, thanks to the collaboration with Aquaponic Design, a multidisciplinary team promoting and disseminating new soilless cultivation systems, Serra Madre will implement a CO2 emission compensation system through an algae cultivation plant powered by rainwater.

project info:

name: Serra Madre
architect:  Laprimastanza | @laprimastanza_architetti

design team: Davide Agostini, Matteo Battistini, and Francesco Ceccarelli

commissioner: Kilowatt

location: Bologna, Italy

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