Fragile School


exhibition work in progress
According to official statistics, in Italy there arew about 41,000 public schools that every day welcome 580,000 students, from kindergarden to high school. Most of these buildings – almost 60% - show alarming structural issues, going from external wear and tear to dangerous mechanical issues. It has been calculated that with today's pace, it will take 110 years to restore all school in conformity to the most recent rules.

According to official statistics, in Italy there arew about 41,000 public schools that every day welcome 580,000 students, from kindergarden to high school. Most of these buildings – almost 60% – show alarming structural issues, going from external wear and tear to dangerous mechanical issues. This is also linked to the age of schools: only 25% have bene built after 1980, when a series of stricter construction rules have been introduces. The most recent seismic events in Italy have shown that even recently restored schools are not designed to withstand earthquakes, although by law they should. There is a lack in control, both during the construction/restoration phase and in maintainace. It has been calculated that with today’s pace, it will take 110 years to restore all school in conformity to the most recent rules.