A child-friendly space, fostering community well-being and inclusion

The redevelopment of the paediatric medical room for the ‘Tempo per l’Infanzia’ association marks a significant step towards supporting local communities in Milan’s Gorla district.

This project stems from the collaboration with Fondazione Francesca Rava, a non-profit organisation that provides medical care to children who often face challenges in accessing the national health service. The intervention had no conventional client. Instead, it was a response to the needs of the community, highlighting the potential of architecture to positively impact people's lives.  Located within a larger multi-functional centre that includes a recreational area, an art lab, and a nursery, the paediatric medical room has been carefully redesigned to optimise its 40-square-metre space. The space now includes a welcoming waiting room, a dedicated area for paediatric visits, a small bathroom, and a kitchenette. Each space has been rethought to create a child-friendly, safe, and functional environment for both young patients and their families. 

Tell me about the house you live in. 
It's an old concrete house from 1970, that I bought two years ago. We kept the old teak panels and these white stone brick walls. We even kept the bathroom, with its orange and brown colorway. We added concrete floors. There are still a lot of things we want to do to the house, but we will keep it mostly as it is. I enjoy living here. It's my creative space, for sure.  A key element of the project is the ‘interactive play bench’, a multi-purpose piece of furniture designed by Park . This custom-designed piece serves as a container, a bench, and a playful interactive element for children waiting for their visit. The bench is the result of a collaborative effort and shared resources, with MDF donated by Falegnameria Tiziani, laser-cut at OpenDot’s facilities and final finishing by Park.

The project’s material choices further reflect a commitment to sustainability and community-driven design. Artigo provided the floor coverings, while furniture was donated by the IKEA Foundation, adding warmth and comfort to the space. The result is a bright, welcoming, and versatile environment that fosters play, learning, and relaxation for children and their families. 

This redevelopment goes beyond the functional aspects of paediatric care. By creating a space that encourages interaction, imagination, and a sense of belonging, the project strengthens the role of architecture as a tool for social impact. Through thoughtful design and strategic partnerships, the intervention at ‘Tempo per l’Infanzia’, enhances community well-being, transforming a small space into a place of growth and care.