laprimastanza turns greenhouse into center for reimagining ecological practices in bologna

Serra Madre, a cultural production center designed by Italian practice Laprimastanza, reimagines the relationship between human and nature by transforming an old greenhouse into a hybrid space for creative and ecological innovation. The design fosters ecological animation through a dialogue between art, science, and technology, with a focus on reshaping urban life and combating climate change through cultural practices. Opened in September 2024 within Le Serre dei Giardini Margherita in Bologna, Serra Madre hosts a range of residencies, workshops, exhibitions, and public activities.

Innovative sustainability solutions such as greenscaping and an algae cultivation system powered by rainwater enhance the project’s environmental impact, allowing the center to absorb up to 27 tons of CO2 annually. Across the program, bioacoustic and ecoacoustic installations, capable of sensitzing and educating through hyper-realistic immersive environments, engage audiences in the realities of the climate crisis, merging scientific data with artistic expression.

all images courtesy of Laprimastanza

The structure is conceived as a porous and exchangeable space that contains and protects — nurturing artistic practices while engaging with scientific research. Residencies, workshops, exhibitions, and public programs allow for the exploration of ecological themes, positioning the space as a hub for cross-disciplinary collaboration. It also incorporates advanced technologies, contributing to ongoing research into sustainable living and environmental awareness.

As the third chapter in the regeneration of the Serre dei Giardini Margherita, Serra Madre reflects a dynamic and evolving vision of urban space, reflecting it as a continuous work in progress rather than a rigid and static project. ‘Serra Madre is a transparent, free, fluid, liquid space, almost like a body of water that feels the pushes and counter-pushes of social and political transformations, of artistic and poetic emotions, creating seductive vortexes,’ notes the team at Laprimastanza. The architectural firm conceives a layout that balances natural comfort for plant life with modern design, symbolizing the need for a delicate equilibrium between ecological and human well-being.

an algae cultivation system powered by rainwater enhance the project’s environmental impact

Serra Madre demonstrates how it is possible to preserve and enhance existing resources instead of consuming new ones, turning them into opportunities for rebirth and community. Beyond its architectural design, the space embraces innovative ecological solutions. The engulfing greenery on the site is an integral part of a regeneration approach designed as a tool to combat climate change: each plant was evaluated based on the amount of CO2 it can absorb. Therefore, fast-growing plants have been selected to ensure significant CO2 absorption, thus strengthening the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, thanks to the collaboration with Aquaponic Design, a multidisciplinary team promoting and disseminating new soilless cultivation systems, Serra Madre will implement a CO2 emission compensation system through a algae cultivation plant powered by rainwater, allowing the absorption of up to 27 tons of CO2 per year.

a cultural production center reimagining the relationship between human and nature

an old greenhouse is transformed into a hybrid space for creative and ecological innovation

the space hosts a range of residencies, workshops, exhibitions, and public activities

the structure is conceived as a porous and exchangeable space that contains and protects

immersive bioacoustic and ecoacoustic installations engage audiences in the realities of the climate crisis