High School Expansion

The Bellinzona High School is part of the Torretta district, extending from the State Archive in the south to the public baths in the north, bordering the Ticino River floodplain, defining the edge of a large green area. The expansion confirms the principle of linear development, potentially extendable further north. A new suspended building is added to the existing structure, creating a facade toward the river and a public space via a large portico, which becomes the new main entrance. The entrance facing the river aligns with Bellinzona’s cycling network. The addition of a longitudinal building, suspended above the ground and separated from the current structure, creates two reference spaces: a ground-level entrance portico and an internal atrium. The existing longitudinal corridor shifted west opens onto the atrium for natural light. The new building’s corridor faces the atrium. Existing staircases connect the extension to intermediate levels, integrating it into the whole. Two new staircases ensure fire escape compliance while maintaining the original stairs as open connections. The new building facade faces northwest, exposed to the river and rocky slope, with sunlight throughout the day. The raised floor mitigates flood risk in the area.