Politecnica partners with AIW to bring ROOTS to life
The internationally renowned Modenese architecture firm, led by Francesca Federzoni, will join as one of the partners making the ROOTS project a reality.
Starting from the first meeting in January 2021, Politecnica immediately supported the vision for ROOTS, making available a team of architects and engineers for 100% pro bono services for the design and build of the ROOTS location!
The Politecnica team in the cortile del leccio, Complesso San Paolo
Politecnica is one of Italy’s leading integrated design companies, offering services including architecture, engineering and urban planning at its 11 global offices. The company believes in infrastructure as a tool connecting peoples and communities, enabling exchange, and creating relationships to drive of social change and grow more inclusive societies.
Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), Politecnica pays particular attention to environmental sustainability, and a methodology of work that is responsible towards people and planet.
Ted, Francesca Federzoni, “Designing with Humanity”
Francesca Federzoni, Modena born, engineer and chairman of the board since 2011, has embodied Politecnicas values throughout her career, one of her milestones being the construction of the One Square Airport Building, considered the first “green rated building” in Ghana; as well as the renowned Enzo-Ferrari house museum in her hometown of Modena.
Since 2010 the Politecnicas team has led the restoration of the historic Complesso San Paolo (damaged by the 2012 earthquake), paying homage to its historic and cultural significance. The restoration brings back to life two locations with historic, artistic and architectural value to the city of Modena: what were once the Church and Oratory. In the Oratory, frescos were uncovered, dating back to the the beginning of the 17th century and which are said to be belonging to the school of Giovanni Battista Cobedue and which were hidden previously by paintings of the 19th century.
A history of women’s empowerment
Within this historic location, the AIW finds special significance and alignment with its mission.
The San Paolo complex has a long feminine history, known as a location that welcomed and trained women and girls. Starting from the second half of the 15th century, it was run by the Augustinian nuns of Santa Maria della Misericordia who ran an educational center teaching women how to make crafts, and during the first decade of the 19th century, the Educandato San Paolo, ran an program for orphan girls who were taught how to read, write, and learn domestic economy. Now, the AIW continues that legacy opening as a training center for women who want to work in the restaurant industry.
Caroline Caporossi (Founder, AIW) working with Elena Ceccaroni (Architect Politecnica) © Lavinia Nitu
When AIW approached Politecnica in January, they immediately supported the project without hesitation. Since January 2021, we have worked closely with Politecnica’s team to bring this space back to life as a hub for womens’ empowerment. We could not be more excited to partner with this mission aligned firm that shares our belief in a more inclusive future for Modena.
To learn more about Politecnica’s work and impact visit their official website http://www.politecnica.it
