The building has a curvilinear volume reminiscent of an embrace.
Its spaces are articulated around the two pivotal pivots of the architectural design and the reception programme: the listening room, where the woman who has suffered violence can confront herself with the psychologist, and the common room, aimed at supporting self-esteem through micro-economic activities.
Between these two circular poles, separated to maintain confidentiality, is the office - warehouse. The entrance is designed to respect the privacy of the person seeking help, who is directed to the listening room.
Here the atmosphere is cosy and familiar: the bench with its enveloping shape, the typical carpets on which the local people sit, the woven reed seats which also act as backrests for those who prefer to stay on the floor, the diffuse light coming from the roof, the window looking out onto the green, while at the same time being protected from prying eyes, all contribute to creating the best conditions for the person in difficulty to feel at ease.
Architecture becomes an instrument of hospitality, sharing and wellbeing.
The star material of the project is BTS brick in stabilised earth. This envelops the entire volume, now according to a weave of solids only in the most intimate places, such as the entrance area and the listening centre, now according to a weave of solids and voids, as in the activity room. Here the roof consists of a self-supporting steel lattice structure that frees up the space below. Sandwiched between a thin sheet of aluminium and a sequence of traditional coloured sheets, the roof has an opening for natural ventilation.
