Di Onda in Onda

In an era marked by the climate crisis, the energy transition, and profound social and cultural change, there is a growing need for innovative educational spaces that can engage children, young people, families, and communities in pathways of shared knowledge.

After more than a decade of activity, "Di Onda in Onda", the atelier located within the historic Ligonchio hydroelectric power plant, required deep regeneration, both in its installations and in its pedagogical vision. The pandemic brought its activities to a halt, making it urgent to rethink the experience.
This territory, rich in history and natural beauty, was in search of a renewed space capable of educating, inspiring, and fostering cultural, social, and ecological resilience.

A Renewed Atelier, Between Science, Energy, and Beauty 

Thanks to the project “Ligonchio: Where Energy Becomes Culture”, funded by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) through the “Attractiveness of Historic Villages” call - MIC, and promoted by the Municipality of Ventasso in collaboration with the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park, Fondazione Reggio Children coordinated the reimagining of the atelier as a space for educational, scientific, and cultural research.

The new setup - designed by a multidisciplinary team - combines the pedagogical approach of the Reggio Emilia Approach with scientific research and architectural enhancement of the site. Within the 400 square meters of the 1922 power plant, 17 interactive installations (esploraMenti) are arranged across three thematic areas: Water, Electrons, and Sun.
Each station invites active discovery through play, dialogue, and interaction with materials, physical phenomena, and diverse languages. The installation is designed for a wide audience (ages 3 to 99) and is flexible, accessible, and reconfigurable, suitable for school visits, family experiences, training, events, and research.

The new Atelier “Di Onda in Onda” is now an educational and cultural center with a strong scientific focus, deeply rooted in the local area and at the same time connected to national and international networks. 

The project promotes a conscious, sustainable, and participatory energy culture by connecting schools, families, research institutions, universities, and local authorities. It offers an inspiring environment in which to explore today’s big questions - What are waves? Why does everything fall? Do plants generate energy? - through hands-on experiences that bring art, science, and nature into dialogue.
The new setup has restored life and beauty to a historic site, contributing to the regeneration of the village of Ligonchio and strengthening the bond between education and territory. With the start of the school year, the atelier will host educational activities, training programs, and public visits, becoming a point of reference for a culture of sustainability and lifelong learning.

The Inauguration

On Saturday, 26, and Sunday, 27 July, the official presentation and inauguration of the renewed Atelier took place.
It was a vibrant and emotional weekend, with the participation of many families, children, and curious visitors, welcomed into a renewed, immersive, and interactive space dedicated to exploring the themes of water, energy, and the sun. Also in attendance were local institutions and project partners, including the Municipality of Ventasso, the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park, Fondazione Reggio Children, and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. 

Info and Contacts

For more information about self-guided or guided visits, school trips, family activities, or training opportunities, please contact:

Phone: +39 331 6619012
Email: info@parcoappennino.it

www.parcoappennino.it