The area of Via Industria in Pregassona has
been affected by social situations that have triggered a public reaction
highlighting issues of ghettoization and integration
The District Commission proposed the project "Social and Integration Laboratory Via Industria"
with the aim of redeveloping the area between Via Industria
focusing on public-private collaboration to create a network of services
and encourage different uses of public spaces as well as social cohesion
The project, which has been coordinated and managed by the Associazione Amélie since June 2020
received financial support from the Swiss Public Utility Society
The "Laboratory" includes the following complementary projects aimed at all segments of the population and the residents of the area identified by the project:
Below are some proposals that would involve families
The English version of this page was created with the aid of automatic translation tools and may contain errors and omissions
The original version is the page in Italian
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In the mountains of Ticino, Switzerland, a recently completed home dubbed Villa Lugano Pregassona has taken shape with architecture by Enrico Sassi Architetto
Situated in a scenic residential area of in Pregassona-Lugano
Switzerland — just north of Como — this contemporary dwelling is surrounded closely by neighbors and is located not far from the center of town
the team led by Enrico Sassi elevates the house to maintain the panoramic
postcard views of the lake and Mount San Salvatore beyond
images © Marcelo Villada Ortiz
Villa Lugano Pregassona is shaped by architect Enrico Sassi as a modern composition of fair-faced concrete
Positioned near the road to maximize garden space
the house takes the form of a parallelepiped — a volume formed by six parallelograms — that undergoes careful excavation and sculpting
This manipulation introduces an engaging play of solids and voids
effectively lightening the monolithic volume of the structure
along with hollows and recesses at the volume’s corners
contribute to both aesthetic enrichment and a reduction in visual impact
Enrico Sassi Architetto designs Villa Lugano Pregassona with a closed street-facing elevation with minimal openings
large glass surfaces create an internal visual continuity
These transparent elements connect different living spaces
The play of full-height vertical cuts and recesses enhances the dynamic interplay of light and shadow within the dwelling
Along the upper level reveals the large living area
a covered terrace opens the indoor space out toward the surrounding environment
architecture: Enrico Sassi | @enricosassiarchitetto
photography: © Marcelo Villada Ortiz | @marcelovilladaortiz
AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function
but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style
the Divisione Socialità (Social Affairs Division)
and the Swiss Red Cross Luganese section have launched the project at the headquarters of the Ufficio quartieri (District Office) of the City of Lugano
He will work closely with all the interested parties to support the activities undertaken in favor of children with learning difficulties
The project includes a pilot phase with students from the Bozzoreda Primary School
The project managers are looking for volunteers to join the project team in order to meet the numerous requests for assistance. Availability for one or two afternoons per week is required, and training courses are offered. Interested individuals are invited to contact +41 91 973 23 42 or send an email to [email protected]
The original version is the page in Italian
Lugano's social services network for the elderly has included the Pregassona Multifunctional Center (Centro Polis)
one of the most significant completed by the City in recent years
required an investment of approximately CHF 47 million
with a cantonal contribution of CHF 10 million under the Legge per il promovimento
il coordinamento e il finanziamento delle attività sociali a favore delle persone anziane (Law for the Promotion
and Financing of Social Activities for the Elderly)
the City Council of Lugano launched an international competition for the project design
The competition was won by Studio Mario Campi e associati from Lugano
The subsequent development of the project was overseen by architect Rosario Galgano
The Divisione edilizia pubblica (Division of Public Buildings) began the construction of the Multifunctional Center in 2017
The project was completed in autumn 2021 and assigned to the autonomous entity Lugano Istituti Sociali (Lugano Social Institutions)
which organized a public contest inviting citizens to name the new center
and the chosen name was "Centro Polis."
The complex includes the following services:
The goals the City aims to achieve with the Centro Polis are twofold: on one hand
to promote an elderly policy capable of addressing the present and future needs of an area that requires an adjustment in the availability of beds to meet demand; and
to implement initiatives and measures to support families
The opening of the center also marked the launch of a significant redevelopment of the area
creating public spaces accessible to the population
a hub for hospitality and socialization for the district
It primarily serves elderly individuals requiring various levels of assistance and healthcare
offers a daycare service for early childhood
Thanks to the coexistence of these diverse sectors
the center is an excellent example of intergenerational interaction
Guests are provided with spaces designed according to the classic architectural standards of elderly care homes
featuring pleasant common areas and spacious rooms that ensure privacy
are provided with separate spaces specifically designed for their well-being
including a daycare center managed by SCuDo - Servizio Cure a Domicilio (Home Care Service)
A facility conceived in this manner ensures maximum care for the individual and their families during the delicate transition from private residence to a care home in later life
proposed by Studio Mario Campi e associati of Lugano
was developed with a concept in the shape of two interconnected "L"s
emphasizing openness towards the outside world
The architecture of the building aims to become a significant element in the built landscape of Pregassona
strengthening the connection with other nearby gathering points such as the Cornaredo area
The access areas and those in front of the center are designed as important public spaces
31 of which are for guests with dementia and 83 in three general wards
helping elderly residents orient themselves
and are equipped with private bathrooms and wardrobes
have shared facilities located in the central corridor of the building
The main visitor entrance is accessible from Via Bozzoreda
with an alternative entry via Via Vedreggio through the garden
The ground floor houses many additional integrated spaces: a daycare center for people with senile dementia
a room dedicated to sensory therapies (not exclusively for center guests)
and the administrative offices of the autonomous entity LIS
Overlooking the lower garden is a nursery section with its outdoor play area
along with essential service spaces such as radiology
The roof is partially equipped with essential technical systems
while the remaining surfaces feature a green roof with photovoltaic panels
a solution long adopted in most of Lugano's new buildings
The large building is constructed with solid materials that ensure durability and healthiness
has allowed for the creation of bright and welcoming spaces
and the natural stone flooring sourced from Ticino express the public nature of the ground floor
and tile or PVC flooring reflect a more residential character
and the general well-being of guests and staff
great care was taken in selecting the colors for the walls and furniture in the common areas
as well as in integrating artistic elements
incorporate aluminum frames and adjustable metal slats
complies with the Minergie energy standard
significantly reducing energy requirements
the Centro Polis is unique in its self-production of electricity through an integrated photovoltaic system (BIPV) using the vertical surfaces of the external facades and the horizontal roof surfaces
the building features the largest photovoltaic facade surface in Ticino and one of the largest in Switzerland
The facades are covered with over 1,600 square meters of laminated and tempered glass panels
which covers about half of the building's energy needs
is constantly monitored in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI)
which participated in the system’s design
The cogeneration heating system combines electricity and heat production
achieving greater efficiency than traditional systems
The system was realized with the support of the Fondo Energie Rinnovabili (Renewable Energy Fund) of the Canton and the City
The original version is the page in Italian
With the Casa Rossa renovation, architect Enrico Sassi adds a new volume to accommodate kitchen facilities
The architects focused on ensuring a harmonious connection between the new and pre-existing structures
The new concrete volume is juxtaposed with the existing building along the same facade line
At the points where the old and new constructions meet
the facade of the new building slightly recedes
marking the transition between different materials
The new volume is constructed atop an existing wall that has been preserved and restored
The elongated side of the new building remains slightly raised from the old structure
creating a free space that allows natural light and ventilation for the storage area below
The volume housing the kitchen showcases recycled exposed concrete as its primary material
The elevations are defined by a 50 x 250 centimeter wooden formwork module
which establishes the design and proportions of the structure
The elevation facing the playground lacks openings
while the south-facing elevation features a ribbon window framing the scenic view of Lugano lake
which serves as the entrance to the kitchen
the outdoor space is paved with natural stone
utilizing a combination of grey granite and Cuasso al Monte porphyry in alternating stripes of grey and pink
The entrance canopy structure consists of HEB metal beams covered with transparent corrugated polycarbonate sheets
This design choice ensures that the space underneath remains bright and inviting
The canopy follows the inclination of the existing roof
Anchored on one side to the new concrete volume and on the other to the top of the retained old wall
the canopy successfully integrates both elements into the overall design
a translucent canopy is built of corrugated polycarbonate sheets
The main metal beam of the canopy extends beyond the edge of the wall
showcasing itself as a distinctive feature
the eaves channel incorporates a robust V-shaped metal profile that overhangs the roof’s end
The rainwater is directed into a well filled with stones sourced from the Verzasca River
which also adds to the exterior aesthetic of the building
the closed-off volume opens out to views of the mountains with a ribbon window
Enrico Sassi’s renovation and extension of Casa Rossa in Pregassona-Lugano
creating improved spaces for the children’s library and the senior citizens’ club
The project not only resolved the issues of inadequate space and outdated facilities but also ensured a seamless integration between the old and new structures
solid and translucent materials work together in harmony
such as the use of recycled exposed concrete
contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the building
provides a welcoming ambiance while effortlessly merging with the existing roof structure
The completion of Casa Rossa’s renovation and extension stands as a testament to Enrico Sassi’s architectural expertise and commitment to enhancing community spaces
subtle strips of glazing lend slivers of light and views
architecture: Enrico Sassi | @enricosassiarchitetto
photography: © Marcelo Villada Ortiz | @marcelovilladaortiz
The City Council approved the jury's decision to award the 1st prize for the design of the new Viarno Park in Pregassona to Westpol Landschafts Architektur from Basel and the architecture firm Demattè Fontana Architekten from Zurich
participants developed a preliminary project for the entire area covered by the zoning plan
including a proposal for the preservation of the Casa Rossa
The jury evaluated each proposal and selected 10 projects
Those admitted to the second phase developed an idea by designing the park layout and the building developments
The jury unanimously decided to award the first prize to the project
titled "Un giardino per la Città"
by Westpol Landschafts Architektur from Basel (lead) and Demattè Fontana Architekten from Zurich
The winning project impressed with its urban planning solution that enhances the environmental and socio-cultural heritage of the area
The conservation of the Casa Rossa is a key feature
allowing its spaces to host activities for community engagement and services for the park and the neighborhood
the project includes an orangerie pavilion intended for a public venue with an indoor hall and a large outdoor terrace
a perimeter building acts as the park's gateway to the city
it forms a threshold between the urban space and the park’s green area
It will house modular multipurpose rooms and a garage with 50 parking spaces
The central area around the villa will feature themed gardens with reading areas
a multifunctional forest with play areas will be created
Open areas will be dedicated to recreation and relaxation
After approving a design budget in July 2020
an activity carried out over the following year and a half
the Executive in June 2022 issued Dispatch 11192
requesting a construction credit of CHF 23.165 million for the new Viarno Park on parcels no
and 1382 RFD Lugano-Pregassona and an additional credit of CHF 2.7 million to acquire parcel no
1382 RFD Lugano-Pregassona (privately owned)
The area affected by the project also requires planning adjustments
approved by the City Parliament in May 2023
The start of the implementation phase is subject to upcoming decisions by the City Council
Enhancing public spaces in the city is a priority for the Executive
as outlined in the linee di sviluppo (development guidelines) guiding the operations of the City Council and the Administration for 2018-2028
The green space east of Via Guioni spans approximately 27,500 m²: its conversion into a park will redevelop a valuable city area and increase the offering of public parks for the benefit of all residents
The new park will be Lugano’s second largest after the Ciani Park
The original version is the page in Italian
In a constantly transforming urban context
quality of life represents an important criterion for evaluating social sustainability within broader urban development
Lugano has faced the significant process of municipal mergers
has changed its territorial structure while
has significantly increased its population
The City is also subject to strong annual population movements
In light of these contextual changes and thanks to a federal financial contribution
in 2016 the City Council assigned an internal mandate to various city departments — Statistica (Statistics Office)
Divisione Socialità (Division of Social Affairs)
Ufficio quartieri (District Office) — in collaboration with the two District Commissions
to develop a participatory sustainable development project
involved residents of two of the most populous districts: Molino Nuovo and Pregassona
an evaluation questionnaire was sent to all households in the two districts (approximately 11,000 copies for a population of over 20,000 residents) to gather not only their needs but also their improvement proposals
Social isolation and the lack of community spaces
and the functionality of public transport emerged as strengths
Residents also expressed interest in the next phases of the project and
offered their availability to participate in meetings and discussions
The Progetto Quartieri (District Project)
supported by funding from the Cantonal Integration Program (PIC)
has since 2017 developed various initiatives based on the survey results
with the goal of involving residents and the associative network
it became clear that there was a need for a presence in the territory
offering an easily accessible point or person of contact to foster better mutual understanding (among residents and between organizations/associations)
share information related to the district (activities
This need took shape with the opening of three "district cafés," one in Molino Nuovo
with weekly meetings in each district and free participation
The regularity and frequency of these meetings are intended to facilitate access and participation
active since October 2017 in Molino Nuovo and Pregassona
have seen the active participation of the Commissions of the two districts involved
meetings continued in Molino Nuovo and Breganzona
Below are details on the meetings currently planned for 2024
Nell’ambito del Progetto Quartieri della Città di Lugano
verranno riproposti a partire da mercoledì 4 settembre i laboratori creativi per i bambini e i momenti di socializzazione per gli adulti a Cassarate e a Molino Nuovo
With the aim of promoting citizen participation in reflecting on existing spaces within the district
"laboratori di co-progettazione urbana" (urban co-design workshops) were developed in collaboration with an architecture studio specialized in participatory processes (Studio It's)
The idea was to engage small groups of residents in the "imaginary" design of small urban spaces in their district
The first workshops were held in October 2017 with a group of children from the after-school program in the Pregassona district
and the same initiative was proposed at an after-school program in Molino Nuovo in spring 2018
The original version is the page in Italian
the Piscina coperta di Lugano (Indoor Pool) will be closed to the public to allow the hosting of a sporting event
Lido Pallone will be open with the following schedule: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
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The original version is the page in Italian