Headquarters Building, Parma, Italy

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StudioDosi team of architects and designers proposed a design idea for a sustainable green structure for Parma, Italy that won second prize in the competition held to promote zero CO2 emission buildings.

StudioDosi, led by Stefano Dosi, proposed a double-skinned, vegetation-clad headquarters for the Province of Parma, which bagged second place in a two-phase architectural competition conducted by north of Parma, Italy. The design structure comprises an extensive range of green building strategies and widespread gardens; most notably, a living exoskeleton is created for shade and natural ventilation.

The architects proposed a design for 4-level compact structure with one level below the ground and three above, totalling 13,500sqm. The building consists of double skins, the inner one with double-glazing and the outer one comprises irregular-shaped climbing vegetable strips. Thus, the dual-skinned exterior has an ample air gap, shading the inner building and allowing for natural ventilation. Additionally, wind towers also help natural ventilation. Although the exterior is dual skinned, it does not block sunlight in anyway.

The interior spaces have flexibility to allow an actual modulation of all the demanded functions. Besides, there is more natural light due to three groups of skylights and atria in the middle of the building.

As far as saving water is concerned, surplus or unused water is stored and storm water infiltrated. Energy saving is the key factor in the building’s construction, which incorporates thermal, solar and photovoltaic modes of energy generation. A geothermal plant is used to strengthen energy efficiency, which ensues in a zero-carbon structure.

As planned by the Province of Parma, the estimated cost for the headquarters building is less than EUR 10,000,000.
This sustainable and innovative building is tentatively scheduled for construction in 2011.

Text Compilation: Renuka Singh