Filla, a new pavilion in Montagnola Park designed by Mario Cucinella, opens in Bologna

A new public space dedicated to culture, sustainability and sociality comes to life in the green heart of Bologna, namely Montagnola Park. In fact, Filla, a project of the Municipality of Bologna developed by MCA - Mario Cucinella Architects, was inaugurated, transforming an area of Montagnola Park into an innovative, sustainable pavilion integrated into the historical and natural context of the place.

The opening ceremony was attended by Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore and architect Mario Cucinella, celebrating the start of a new chapter for the city and its citizens. The opening kicked off a rich program of educational and popular activities related to the environment and sustainability, which will be curated by the IU Rusconi Ghigi Foundation, which is responsible for managing the center.

With its inauguration, Filla aspires to become a point of reference for the Bologna community, combining culture, environmental education and social gathering. Its program of events and workshops will involve citizens of all ages, with special attention to the youngest, as it will be part of the initiative “Bologna the City of Children and Girls.”

“Filla, the new Pavilion in Montagnola Park, represents a concrete example of how architecture can put the community at the center, responding to contemporary needs for aggregation, culture and sustainability,” said Mario Cucinella, Architect & Founder of MCA - Mario Cucinella Architects. “With this project, we wanted to create a place that not only fits harmoniously into the historical and natural context of the park, but also enriches it, offering spaces for new forms of meeting and dialogue. Through the use of advanced technologies and sustainable materials, we have created an architecture capable of dialoguing with the environment, finding a balance between tradition and innovation.”

An architecture reminiscent of nature and community

The very name of the project reveals its innovative essence. “Filla” is a neologism combining two Greek words: φύλλον(fillon), meaning leaf, and φιλέω(phileo), expressing the concept of affection and community. A tribute to nature and sharing, the two pillars on which this space is based.

The architectural intervention involved replacing a temporary tensile structure with a permanent state-of-the-art building. The new, energy-efficient building hosts workshops, cultural events and children’s initiatives as part of the “Bologna the City of Children and Girls” project. The main area is a multipurpose hall with a capacity of about 100 people, flanked by spaces dedicated to workshops and a café, designed as a place for meeting and socializing.

A distinctive element of the structure is its roof, which is inspired by the famous porticos of Bologna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural detail creates a direct dialogue with the historical identity of the city, with the idea of integrating harmoniously into the landscape of the park.

Sustainability and innovation for a greener future

Designed according to the principles of bioarchitecture and circular economy, “Filla” is a concrete example of sustainable building. The building is a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB), i.e., a near-zero energy structure with significantly reduced emissions compared to the previous temporary installation. Thermal insulation and rainwater management have been taken care of with innovative solutions to minimize environmental impact.

The use of eco-friendly materials, dry construction technologies and energy-saving strategies demonstrates MCA’s commitment to responsible architecture, capable of combining aesthetics and functionality without compromising the natural balance. Filla is thus configured as a place designed to connect people to the environment around them, promoting values of sustainability and active participation.

Filla, a new pavilion in Montagnola Park designed by Mario Cucinella, opens in Bologna

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