Istituto San Giuseppe, Florence
Nursery, Primary and Lower Secondary School
RESEARCH AND DESIGN
Design, Setup, and Product Supply
Tuscany
Florence
Archimedes Laboratory: a school inclusion project
The Archimede Laboratory was created as a pilot project for the San Giuseppe Institute in Florence, as part of the SpInLAB research programme – Inclusive Laboratory Spaces for Innovative Teaching Models, promoted by the Department of Architecture and the TESIS Centre at the University of Florence.
Created by DU IT, the laboratory represents a new model of educational environment that combines architecture, pedagogy and sensory design to promote inclusion, active participation and the well-being of children in primary school.
A workshop born from listening
The project is the result of a two-year co-design process involving teachers, psychologists, researchers and students. Through technical analysis of spaces, observation of children’s behaviour and participatory workshops, a shared framework of needs and desires was constructed. This process revealed the need for a school space capable of adapting to different learning styles, abilities and individual rhythms, ensuring equal opportunities for growth and participation for all.
Architecture of inclusion
The Archimede Laboratory is designed to be a fluid and welcoming environment, where movement, curiosity and relationships are an integral part of the educational process.
The space is divided into functional areas with their own identities but interconnected with each other, designed to stimulate different experiences – motor, sensory, manual and relational:
Entrance and filter area: a blue portal marks the entrance to the laboratory and introduces a soft and welcoming passageway, where children can leave their belongings, get their bearings and prepare for the educational activity.
Main area: the heart of the workshop, dedicated to play and movement. Here, modular and mobile furnishings allow the space to be quickly reconfigured, switching from group activities to individual or free activities. A large interactive wall incorporates a blackboard, an accessible ramp, a relaxation niche and a small stage for performances and sharing.
Sensory area: an immersive, soft and controllable space where light, sound and colour change according to need. An environment dedicated to relaxation, concentration or sensory stimulation, allowing children to regulate their emotions and regain balance.
Discovery area: an operational space for manual and scientific experimentation, with adjustable counters, water point, electrical sockets and teaching tools. Here, children learn by doing, through play, manipulation and research.
Comfort, materials and perceived quality
The project focuses on the sensory quality of the space: natural materials, neutral and pastel tones, the calibrated use of light and acoustic care all contribute to creating a calm, welcoming and stimulating environment.
The acoustics have been optimised through integrated sound-absorbing panels and textured surfaces that reduce reverberation, improving listening and concentration.
The intensity and colour of both natural and artificial light can be adjusted to suit different times of day and planned activities.
A flexible and replicable model
The Archimede Laboratory is designed as a replicable prototype, capable of adapting to different contexts and sizes.
The modularity of the furnishings and the clarity of the spatial solutions allow the model to be exported to other schools, in whole or in part, while maintaining the principles of accessibility, inclusion and freedom of movement.
During the 2025 school year, the laboratory will be tested by teachers and students at the San Giuseppe Institute to assess its impact on children’s learning, socialisation and well-being.
The aim is to create a new way of teaching, where space is not just a container but an educational tool capable of stimulating curiosity, independence and collaboration.
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