Nature in Education - the Waldorf school

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Developed at the Technische Universität Darmstadt and later expanded as a thesis project at Sapienza University of Rome, this proposal explores the architectural principles of the Waldorf School, founded by Rudolf Steiner in early 20th-century Germany.

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Rooted in a holistic vision of education, the design promotes the emotional, social, and human development of the child through an environment that nurtures creativity, curiosity, and a deep connection with nature.

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Located on the outskirts of the city, the complex benefits from close contact with the surrounding landscape, integrating outdoor learning areas, transparent classrooms, and open corridors that transform circulation into active zones for interaction and discovery.

The project applies regenerative and biophilic design strategies, enhancing well-being through natural light, cross ventilation, organic materials, and visual continuity with the environment. These elements not only reduce the building’s ecological footprint but also cultivate an atmosphere of calmness and belonging, essential to the child’s psychological and emotional growth.

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The concept reinforces the idea that architecture can act as a living organism—responsive, adaptable, and capable of teaching ecological values through its very form and materiality. By intertwining built and natural systems, the school becomes both a place of learning and a model of regenerative coexistence between humans and nature.

A mixed structural system of steel and reinforced concrete is complemented by timber cladding in warm, varying tones, expressing both solidity and softness. The school brings together different age groups—from kindergarten to high school—within a coherent educational ecosystem, promoting community, inclusivity, and lifelong learning.