ICS Symbiosis

With its design for the ICS Symbiosis school, renowned architects’ firm Barreca & La Varra has created a remarkable school building in the heart of Milan’s Porta Romana business district. In close cooperation with ICS students, a vertically structured building has been developed embodying unconventional room concepts and cutting-edge design principles on a relatively small site. The seven storeys accommodate pupils and students from 4 to 18 years of age. ISC Symbiosis combines creative architecture, innovative room design and functional elegance in a unique manner. Complete bathroom supplier Duravit was the brand of choice for the high-quality sanitary products.


Uncompromising sanitary comfort

Sanitary products by Duravit combine timeless design with functionality and complement the high-end architectural concept of ICS Symbiosis. The modern sanitary areas have been fitted out with products from the ME by Starck range - including washbasins and rimless toilets offering the ultimate in comfort and convenience. In the interests of fully inclusive facilities, the toilets offer full accessibility for people with disabilities without making any compromises with regard to design and aesthetics. Carefully selected products from the DuraStyle range take account of the needs of people with reduced mobility. The DuraStyle Vital washbasin, for example, offers plenty of space underneath for wheelchairs, allowing full use without any restrictions whatsoever.


Glass and metal bring the building to life

The building’s distinctive shape as designed by Barreca & La Varra results in a striking silhouette which nevertheless blends seamlessly into the overall setting. The building’s facades, comprising large glazed areas and elaborately worked metal elements which envelop the building like a shell, interact with the surroundings in compelling manner. The architectural concept creates a visual depth and dynamic effects which vary according to viewing angle, reflections, shade and sunlight.


A place for education, creativity and communication

In the interests of first-class education and development for the children and young students, in fitting out the interior of ICS Symbiosis great importance has been attached to creating a pleasant and interesting learning atmosphere with plenty of variety. The facilities and amenities range from a spacious auditorium through science laboratories to the school’s own indoor swimming pool. The inviting atmosphere and the interior designed with pupils’ wellbeing in mind provide for a setting in which all those attending the school are sure to feel perfectly at home. Coloured wooden panelling, rooms fitted out with great variety and circular alcoves for books offer interesting impressions as well as fostering creativity. The design lounges integrated into the walls offer pupils a retreat where they can get together with classmates between lessons or simply take some time out. In this way, Barreca & La Varra have created a place with the right vibes for the pupils.