Explore the Enzo Mari-Inspired Nursery: A Playful Design Gem in Italy

Italian studio C+S Architects has crafted a whimsical nursery near Bergamo, Italy, featuring a striking red concrete wall adorned with engraved animals from Enzo Mari's iconic 1950s puzzle. This delightful design welcomes children to the Alzano Lombardo nursery, reflecting both its scenic setting and the rich history of Italian design.

The building, reminiscent of a pavilion, is clad in white glass mosaic tiles and features bronze-colored window frames. Previously a vegetable garden, the nursery is bordered by high stone and concrete walls, creating a cozy environment.

The pigmented concrete wall echoes the local architectural style and incorporates aggregates that blend with the landscape. A series of ramps lead down to the nursery's entrance, where the wall opposite the main door showcases embossed interpretations of Mari's 1957 puzzle pieces, designed as a learning tool.

C+S Architects co-founder Maria Alessandra Segantini drew inspiration from her childhood memories of the puzzle, aiming to instill warmth and a sense of community in the design. The nursery, aptly named Noah's Ark, embodies the joy of learning through play.

Unique features include creatures carved into the wall that serve functional purposes, like a hippopotamus for bike storage and a bull for ventilation. The building's saw-toothed roof profiles nod to the region's industrial heritage.

Internally, the nursery is designed for flexibility, with a large atrium serving as a communal space, providing access to classrooms and amenities. Two internal courtyards are decorated with Mari's animals, offering safe play areas.

Each classroom features animal motifs and is designed to allow natural light, enhancing the learning environment. The bathrooms are finished in vibrant tiles, matching the engraved animals in the flooring.

The canteen opens onto a garden and play area, reinforcing the nursery's connection to nature. C+S Architects, with over 30 years of experience in educational design, aims to create culturally sensitive and innovative spaces that foster community engagement.

Photos by Alessandra Bello and Maria Alessandra Segantini.