On 1 February 2025 Filla was inaugurated, a new structure in the Montagnola di Bologna park. With a focus on the new generations, it will host educational and scientific activities to raise awareness of citizenship on environmental issues and urban sustainability
Filla. A new green space for the city
Designed by the architect Mario Cucinellathe Filla Center is divided into three “bubbles”.
We are talking about buildings with curvilinear and high energy efficiency design, designed to reflect Bologna’s commitment in promoting responsible use of resources and in reducing the environmental impact.
These spaces, destined to host an auditorium, a laboratory and a future Kinder Caffè, are connected by a portico that gently winds through the trees, keeping the surrounding vegetation intact and harmoniously integrating with the natural landscape. A design choice that underlines the importance of respectful and inclusive architecture of Urban green.
Filla is part of a large program of redevelopment of the park, aimed at returning to the city a safe and accessible space, which over the years had been compromised by episodes of petty crime and a limited use by citizens.
The project, therefore, not only enriches the architectural heritage of the city, but aims to return a place of aggregation and education to sustainability, also involving the local community.
The name “Filla” and its meaning
The name chosen for the center, Filla, has its roots in the Greek language.
Specifically, it recalls the term φύλλον (phýllon), which means “leaf”, a powerful symbol of growth, renewal and vitality. At the same time, the assonance with φιλέω (Filéo), which means “taking care” or “wanting well”, further enriches the meaning of the name, giving the structure a value that goes beyond its physical function: Filla is in fact proposed how A place where education for sustainability merges with the promotion of responsible practices, inspiring citizenship to a collective commitment towards the protection of our future.
Filla: a center for sustainability and environmental education
The center will be managed by GriZi’s Foundation.which brings with it a consolidated experience in promoting sustainability and environmental education. Born from the merger of three local realities, this Foundation aims to raise awareness of the new generations regarding modern environmental challenges, with educational and scientific projects that also involve schools and citizens.
Among the first scheduled events, the presentation of the European Talea projectdedicated to the fight against the urban heat islands and the promotion of reviving interventions, which will be held on February 13, 2025. Furthermore, the cycle of meetings inspired by the climate Café, which are held starting from February 8, will offer opportunities for Dialogue and comparison on local climatic resilience.
An artistic installation that dialogue with nature
On the occasion of Art City and Art FieraFilla has become a dynamic stage for contemporary art. On February 6, visitors admired the “Reading creatures” installation by the Bolognese artist Danilo Traverso, who transformed the park with large bright sea sculptures. The imposing figures of whales, octopus and other sea creatures seem to challenge gravity, floating and emerging from the ground as surreal apparitions. On February 8, during the White Night Montagnola, the performances will give life with the effect of “reverse aquarium”, where the public will be able to observe the dance of creatures through the glass walls of the pavilions, accompanied by the musical composition of Paola Samoggia.
A sustainable future for Bologna
Filla is not only an innovative architectural structure, but a real point of reference for all those who believe in the need to transform the city into a greenest, more sustainable and more livable place.