All winners

Multifunctional building in Barbiano - Kindergarten, daycare centre, tourist office, and village connection

Silver Prize in Architectural design

A green bridge: At the southern entrance to Barbian/Barbiano, a green wooden structure marks the new entrance to the village. The multifunctional ensemble, built to the Climate House Gold standard, is divided into two structures, each on opposite sides of the street: on the hillside, a kindergarten, daycare centre,, children’s restaurant and a protected play area on the roof; opposite, the tourist office with staircase as well as an elevator tower that provides barrier-free access to the village center. A bridge connects the two structures. The architecture uses the landscape as a design generator: a base made of exposed concrete supports light wooden structures with green glazed facades that make the building visible from afar. Inside, open learning areas replace the classic class room typology; niches and meeting islands create spaces for movement, retreat, and play. Light-coloured materials, continuous daylight, and the consistent use of local wood for floors, furniture as well as the acoustic ceilings, characterize the calm, child-friendly atmosphere. A bridge that connects education, mobility, and community, opens new paths, and makes change in rural areas visible.

Participant category: Small company (< 10 employees)

Company name: Roland Baldi Architects

Country: Italy

Location: Barbiano / Italy

Client: Municipality of Barbiano

Team: Roland Baldi | Sila Giriftinoglu | Erica Mazzoni

Edition: 2026

Project status: Realised

Website: https://rolandbaldi.com/en/

Photo credits: Oskar Da Riz
Photo credits: Oskar Da Riz
Photo credits: Oskar Da Riz
Photo credits: Oskar Da Riz
Photo credits: Oskar Da Riz
Photo credits: Oskar Da Riz