At the southern entrance to Barbian in South Tyrol, a project has been realized that goes far beyond the traditional role of an educational building. The new multifunctional building by Roland Baldi Architects has created an architectural ensemble that combines education, mobility, tourism, and public infrastructure within a clear structural framework.
Funded as part of the European NextGenerationEU recovery program, the project exemplifies how contemporary architecture can open up new perspectives for rural communities. A kindergarten, daycare center, cafeteria, tourism office, and barrier-free access collectively form a new public hub at the entrance to the town of Barbian.
Educational Facilities as a Driver of Village Development
The design responds precisely to the topographical challenges of the steeply sloping site. Rather than working against the landscape, the project uses the topography as a design principle.
The complex consists of two separate structures on opposite sides of the street. While the kindergarten, daycare center, cafeteria, and sheltered play areas are located on the slope, the tourist office with public restrooms is situated across the street. Both buildings are connected by a striking green bridge that serves as both a functional link and an identity-defining design element.
The entire complex rests on an existing two-story underground parking garage. This allowed for the efficient use of the available space without making additional inroads into the village’s sensitive structure.
New Learning Environments Instead of Traditional Classrooms
At the heart of the project is an educational concept that promotes openness, movement, and independent learning. The architecture supports this approach by moving away from traditional spatial structures.
Instead of traditional group rooms, an open learning landscape with various functional areas was created. Creative zones, research areas, quiet spaces, and role-play areas allow for flexible use and foster individual learning processes.
The circulation areas were also deliberately designed as places to linger. Openings along the paths create small gathering spots, play areas, and quiet zones. This results in a variety of spatial qualities that enrich everyday educational life.
The functional layout follows the topography of the site. The first basement level houses two group rooms as well as the children’s kitchen with a cafeteria, which also serves the neighboring elementary school. The ground floor accommodates additional care rooms as well as the independently organized daycare center. On the top floor, a multifunctional activity room complements the facilities and offers direct access to the sheltered rooftop playground.
Architecture and Mobility Intelligently Linked
The project is not viewed solely as an educational facility, but as an integral part of the public infrastructure.
Directly across from the kindergarten, a new tourism office with accessible restrooms for visitors has been built. This is complemented by a redesigned bus stop that strengthens public transportation and improves traffic safety.
The new staircase and elevator tower is of particular importance. It connects the underground parking garage directly to the town center and ensures fully accessible access. The bridge running over it leads on to the kindergarten and creates a safe connection between the two parts of the building.
This creates an infrastructure that meets the needs of both residents and visitors.
Topography as the Basis for Design
The project’s particular strength lies in its close connection to the landscape. The sloping site is not viewed as an obstacle but serves as a central source of inspiration for the design.
The horizontal layering of the building’s functions consistently follows the natural terrain. Technical areas form the base of the building, with educational spaces above, while the roof landscape is used as a sheltered play area.
A solid base ofexposed concrete and improves the quality ofthe environment.
A Model for Educational Architecture in Rural Areas
With the multifunctional building in Barbian, Roland Baldi Architects impressively demonstrates how educational architecture can be understood today: not as an isolated institution, but as a social and infrastructural catalyst for the entire community.
The combination of educational facilities, transportation options, tourism infrastructure, and sustainable architecture creates a place of great social significance. The project shows how architecture can contribute to strengthening rural areas while setting new standards for integrated planning.
Project Overview
- Location: Barbian
- Client: Municipality of Barbian
- Architecture: Roland Baldi Architects
- Gross floor area: 1,587 m²
- Building volume: 6,245 m³
- Start of construction: March 2023
- Completion: August 2025
- Energy standard: KlimaHaus Gold
- Use: Preschool, daycare center, cafeteria, tourism office, public infrastructure
