The ABF Educational Hub 0-11, developed by the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, is a significant project aimed at revitalizing areas affected by the 2016 earthquake, particularly in Sforzacosta. Scheduled to open in two phases between 2023 and 2024, the hub, created in collaboration with the Municipality of Macerata, features a new pre-school and the renovated G. Natali primary school.
This initiative extends beyond mere reconstruction. Its goal is to breathe new life into these communities by making education a central part of everyday life. The hub serves as a school complex and a space for social and cultural activities, fostering community engagement. This integrated approach is designed to enhance the quality of life, not only through the personal growth of young people but also through the urban regeneration of Sforzacosta.
The ABF Educational Hub 0-11 is divided into two key sections: the Early Childhood Hub, opened in November 2023, and the G. Natali Primary School, inaugurated in September 2024. The preschool, built in just 150 days, covers 600 square meters and accommodates 70 children from nursery to kindergarten. Its spaces are thoughtfully designed to nurture creativity, featuring dedicated workshops on music, taste, and sensory exploration. The Agora is at the core of the building, a central area designed for collaborative educational projects.
Lot B was also finished in 150 days, including the renovation of the primary school and its surrounding outdoor areas. This section boasts cutting-edge classrooms such as STEM labs, a music room equipped for recording, and an auditorium. These facilities will be available to the broader community, fostering versatile use of the premises beyond standard school hours.
A focus on sustainability marks ABF's efforts. The buildings were constructed with recyclable materials and energy-efficient systems. In the art and science workshops, children engage in hands-on activities to learn about recycling and environmental responsibility, using recycled materials to reinforce sustainability practices. This comprehensive approach not only supports the development of young learners but also instills the importance of ecological awareness.
The project, which required an investment of approximately 4 million euros, involved over 30 local companies, showcasing the critical role of public-private collaboration in the success of urban regeneration efforts. The ABF Educational Hub 0-11 emerged from an architectural competition aimed at studios with talent under 35. The winning studio collaborated closely with the Foundation's multidisciplinary team to design a cutting-edge facility that blends modern functionality standards with aesthetic appeal. Like other ABF initiatives, the project received support from Nero Lifestyle, along with numerous donors, friends, supporters, and companies sharing the Foundation's mission and values.
On 23 September 2024, many friends and supporters of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation joined Maestro Bocelli to inaugurate Lot B. The event featured notable personalities such as Albano Carrisi, Serena Autieri, Andrea Paris, Matthew Lee, Nicola Pesaresi & Isotta, Lorenzo Baglioni, Cecille, Alessio Nelli, Angelica Gismondi, and Eleonora Fiorentini. Additionally, the talents from the ABF Creative Writing Masterclass—Matteo Trapanese, Eva Sinacciolo, Luca Fol, Antonio Di Maita, and Francesco Carlon—were also in attendance. Journalist Paolo Notari and singer-songwriter Ilaria Della Bidia hosted the event.
During the ceremony, the Mayor of Macerata, Sandro Parcaroli, bestowed honorary citizenship upon Andrea Bocelli, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to revitalizing earthquake-affected areas. "Experience has taught me that if we pass on generosity if we share the happiness and goodness within us, everything returns to us multiplied: in the realm of love," wrote an Irish theologian, "there is no competition, no possessiveness, no control—the more love we give, the more love we receive." With these words, founder Andrea Bocelli warmly addressed the Macerata community.
The ABF Educational Hub 0-11 in Sforzacosta exemplifies how education can fuel social and urban regeneration. With its cutting edge facilities, community-accessible spaces, and strong emphasis on sustainability, the ABF Hub is poised to become a beacon for future generations, blending technological innovation with educational and aesthetic excellence. It serves as a replicable model, offering renewed hope for the future of earthquake-stricken regions and beyond.
