UAH! Learning from children
UAH! Learning from children
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PROJECT: social housing, education
PROJECT: social housing, education
DATE: semester 4, 2025
DATE: semester 4, 2025
TYPE: academic project
TYPE: academic project
The project was developed within the framework of UAH!, which explores unconventional and accessible housing across Europe and Italy. UAH! analyzes innovative and diverse housing practices, questioning traditional notions of dwelling and providing a framework for experimental design. The research guides proposals that explore the intersection of architecture and policy, testing new spatial and social solutions in spe- cific contexts such as Bari, Milan, and Trieste.
The site consists of an existing social housing com- plex on the outskirts of Bari, marked by both social and spatial challenges. The environment reflects social struggles, a sense of inse- curity, and neglected communal green areas. A defining architectural feature is the building’s use of pilotis, leaving the entire ground floor largely unused and underutilized. This presented both a challenge and an opportunity: how to tran- sform the ground floor into functional housing while simultaneously creating safe and engaging communal spaces.
The masterplan is organized around two identical buildings, separated by former parking areas that have been transformed into communal green spaces. The previously empty ground floors now host a variety of housing typolo- gies, activating these le- vels and providing functio- nal living spaces. A central corridor links the two buil- dings, forming a continuous pathway that is gently in- terrupted by greenery and opens onto the shared outdoor areas.
The project began with a key question: which demographic could create meaningful social impact while shaping inclusive spaces? The answer was children, since designing safe and engaging environments for them makes spaces welcoming for everyone. This idea guided the activation of the vacant ground floor into housing for mothers who have experienced abuse and their children, with a focus on community, shared experience, and flexibility to support diverse needs.
THE FOUR HOUSING TYPOLOGIES
THE SHARED COURTYARDS
A defining feature of the housing units is the pre- sence of shared cour- tyards. These spaces ser- ve not only as sources of natural light but also as extensions of the commu- nity, fostering interaction among residents. Designed with concrete flooring and custom wooden benches that respond to the unique dimensions of each cour- tyard, they provide functio- nal and inviting gathering areas.
By bringing together households with diverse lengths of stay—both long- term and short-term—the courtyards cultivate a sense of mutual support, enabling connections that enrich daily life and stren- gthen the social fabric wi- thin the housing complex.
THE SOCIAL BENCH
The central corridor that divides the site functions as a primary shared space, with dwellings opening onto it. Community interaction is encouraged through built-in furniture, most notably the “social bench,” a window-like feature projecting into the corridor to provide seating for residents and passersby. Residents can control the bench, keeping it open to invite engagement or closing it for privacy. Made from repurposed plywood, the social bench reflects a recurring design strategy throughout the project, combining functionality, adaptability, and subtle social intent.
THE CUBE IN THE FOUR HOUSING TYPOLOGIES
THE CUBE
Constructed from reclaimed plywood, the cube is a re- curring furniture element across all housing typologies. Inspired by the playful form of wooden building blocks, it is an affordable and versatile piece, capable of taking on mul- tiple functions and adapting to each typology in unique ways. Its lightweight design and durable material allow it to be easily moved and handled by both mothers and children, fostering interaction, play, and everyday flexibility within the homes
THE GREEN AREAS
The green areas, once again, are inspired by—and designed for—children. Ac- commodating a range of ages and needs, the central green space includes play- grounds, modular benches, and a basketball court, offe- ring opportunities for both play and social interaction. Guided by the overarching goal of “bringing life to the ground floor,” the design fo- cuses on creating spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and engaging for children and adults alike.
This principle is expressed in the blocky, playful, and modular forms of the benches, which can be rearranged and adapted, as well as in the organic shapes that define the perimeter of the green areas, softening the edges and inviting exploration.
spaces for children: THE KINDERGARTEN
Among the new commercial spaces introduced, a kindergar- ten was designed specifically for children. Inspired by Mon- tessori principles, it reimagines the floor as the central learning environment. The surface is ar- ticulated with nooks, levels, and playful shapes, allowing children to experience space at their own scale and encouraging exploration. Traditional doors are avoided in favor of open, continuous spaces that invite movement and curiosity.
The recurring cube element takes on new meaning here, extending the floor through modular furniture that can be rearranged to create endless configurations, giving children the freedom to define their surroundings. Constructed primarily from reclaimed plywo- od—both sustainable and affor- dable—the kindergarten main- tains a warm, tactile character. Large windows connect the interior with the outdoors, en- suring that children remain vi- sually engaged with nature as they learn and play
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