Adaptive Reuse based on improving Biophilic Design Strategies for the ‘Asilo Nido Adriano Olivetti’

The Adriano Olivetti Nursery School, located in Ivrea, Italy, stands as a testament to modernist architecture and Adriano Olivetti’s pioneering vision of integrating social welfare with industrial development. Designed by Luigi Figini and Gino Pollini in 1939, with subsequent expansions by Annibale Fiocchi in 1952, the nursery school exemplifies an innovative approach to educational infrastructure. Recently designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Ivrea Industrial City of the 20th Century,” the school faces challenges in accessibility and adaptive reuse while maintaining its architectural integrity. This study investigates the adaptive reuse of the Adriano Olivetti Nursery School to enhance accessibility and tourist enjoyment, focusing on integrating biophilic design strategies to improve environmental quality and user experience. Theresearch addresses the following questions: How can adaptive reuse strategies improve the nursery school’s accessibility and appeal to tourists? How can biophilic design principles be applied to enhance the building’s cultural and historical value? The study employs a qualitative research approach, including case studies, architectural analysis, and stakeholder interviews. It explores preservation constraints, historical significance, and the application of biophilic design to create a harmonious connection between users and the natural environment. Findings contribute to architectural preservation, sustainable tourism, and biophilic design literature, offering insights into revitalizing historical buildings while meeting contemporary needs and enriching visitor experiences. Keywords: Adriano Olivetti Nursery School, adaptive reuse, biophilic design, architectural preservation, sustainable tourism, UNESCO World Heritage.