ASA Masterclass 1
Paolo Cascone + Maddalena Laddaga
CODESIGNLAB
September 2021

In the first iteration of the Advanced School of Architecture Masterclass, Paolo Cascone and Maddalena Laddaga of CODESIGNLAB lead the design and construction of a high performance sports space in the form of an open-air gym on a scale of 1 to 1 for the Bollate Prison of Milan. The ROG strives to address the critical conditions of Italian prisons. The project and masterclass followed three key points: 

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Collaborative design: Strategic involvement between students, inmates and prison guards to create a dialogue on the relationship between architecture and restorative justice. The prototype 1 to 1 was therefore built by students in the courtyard of the Polytechnic arriving at the creation of ROG / RESTORATIVE OPEN-AIR GYM. Prototype discussed and realized in collaboration with the ACTS project (A Chance Through Sport) directed by Prof. Andrea Di Franco at Bollate prison.

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Open system: The proposal conceived as an open system and a rapid deployment structure has been modeled, assembled and tested in collaboration with the students of the ASA at the Polytechnic Campus. Students developed a catalog of possible spatial and performative variations based on different user needs addressing the issues of customization and scalability.

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Eco-digital construction: The final stage was the realization of a lightweight structure with wood components for both the primary and secondary structure. At the same time, the paneling system was designed according to an environmental parametric solar strategy while the vertical panels integrated a kinetic system that could transform the vertical surfaces into ergonomic devices for different types of exercise. 

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While this masterclass was primarily designed and constructed in a group setting, individual teams developed specific portions of both the design and construction. Together with Krzysztof Grzegorz Lichocik (POL), we developed the 3D digital model as well as the perforated panels of both the roof and walls. Using Grasshopper, the perforations follow the sun path as both an attractor and detractor curve. This allows light to penetrate the ROG while providing shedding in the summer months. The pattern is continued down the wall panels, maintaining shading while allowing visibility to the interior of the pavilion. The wall panels with perforations act as either benches or attachment points for anaerobic exercise. With the help of the LABORA of Politecnico di Milano and Martina Curia (ITA), the panels were cut using CNC milling. The panels were then transported to the courtyard for installation. 

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Images by Yi Xing Chow (MLY). Cover image by Krzysztof Grzegorz Lichocik (POL).