Locarno Middle School 1

Dolf Schnebli with  Augusto and Alessandro Lima, 1960-63

Based on the concept of "school as an open house," the building is divided into three distinct sectors—sports area, community/management spaces, and classrooms—that interact around an amphitheater-shaped internal plaza. This central plaza fosters social interaction and natural light, creating high-quality educational spaces. The materials and architectural details are characterized by a sober elegance: large windows, the use of wood for fixtures and furnishings, terracotta and granite floors, galvanized metal structures, and, on the walls and ceilings, a neutral-colored finish enlivened by frescoes created by local artisans, as well as bronze sculptures. In 2002, the building was renovated by architects Bardelli and Büchler, preserving the original compositional layout. This school is considered a cultural asset of national importance, included in the inventory of cultural heritage of the city of Locarno.