Designing for the community: Vittorio Grassi Architects
From schools to sports arenas, Vittorio Grassi Architects’ approach to public projects prioritizes community impact, focusing on sustainable, innovative designs that shape everyday lives and foster future generations.
In this episode of Behind, we explore the vision of Vittorio Grassi, the founder of VGA Architects, whose studio specializes in architecture, master planning, and product design. Known for tackling complex projects, the studio thrives in creating innovative solutions that address societal needs, particularly in the public sector.
Vittorio’s philosophy is rooted in a deep analytical approach, focusing on both the requests of the client and the needs of the broader community. This commitment is especially evident in their public projects, which, according to Grassi, provide the opportunity to make a lasting impact on people’s everyday lives. From schools to sports arenas, these are spaces meant to shape communities for years to come.
One of the studio’s primary focuses is public buildings that serve the community. Grassi shares that it is in these projects where they can truly express their full capability. “We’re building places and neighborhoods that are then used by everyone,” he explains. “We have the chance to make a real difference in the quality of life in a neighborhood, for its people.” This conviction drives the studio’s pursuit of public projects, a theme that resonates throughout their work.
Currently, the studio is designing two schools as part of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). One is in Fidenza, and the other in Albaredo d’Adige. These two projects—primary and secondary schools—are particularly meaningful because of their focus on children. For Grassi, the design of educational spaces isn’t just about creating functional buildings; it’s about fostering an environment that shapes children’s futures.
“The theme is about putting children at the heart of the project,” says Grassi. “These buildings can’t be too expensive, but they must include a lot of technology and make the most out of space.” The architecture for these schools is not flashy or extravagant. Instead, it follows a modular structure that is both practical and functional, ensuring that every element serves a purpose.
What sets these schools apart is the emphasis on creating bright, well-lit spaces that promote learning and community interaction. “If those children remember a bright school—central shared spaces like a small library, well-lit labs, and a connection to greenery—that will have a long-lasting impact on how they approach architecture, quality of life, and sustainability as they grow up,” says Grassi. For the studio, these buildings are not just educational spaces; they are a part of children’s development, a tangible imprint of how they will experience and value design throughout their lives.
The impact of public architecture goes beyond schools, however. The studio’s work on the Lamezia Terme sports arena stands as another example of how public projects can influence communities. This multi-purpose sports arena, which can accommodate up to 4,000 people, was designed to support a range of sports, with a particular focus on Paralympic events. Grassi’s studio won a public competition to design the arena, and the result is a state-of-the-art facility that is truly inclusive, designed not just for athletes but for spectators with disabilities as well.
The Lamezia Terme arena represents the fusion of innovation, sustainability, and community-oriented design. “It was meant to be a venue not just locally or regionally, but on a national scale—a place for major events,” Grassi explains. The building’s structure is designed with an ETFE envelope—lightweight Teflon cushions under constant pressure—that makes the building seismic-resistant and energy-efficient. The aerodynamic form of the structure also allows for natural air exchange by capturing wind from the hills surrounding the site, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the building’s overall sustainability.
“This is one of the best projects we’ve done in recent years,” Grassi adds. The Lamezia Terme arena is a testament to the studio’s ability to merge functionality, innovation, and sustainability to create something that has a lasting impact on the community.
Vittorio Grassi Architects’ approach to public projects highlights the power of architecture to shape not only the built environment but also the social fabric of a community. Through thoughtful design, the studio ensures that the spaces they create serve the people who will use them for generations. Whether it’s a school that fosters learning or a sports arena that welcomes all, Grassi’s philosophy remains clear: public projects are an opportunity to enhance lives, promote sustainability, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
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