The new Architecture Campus is the Politecnico di Milano’s response to the latest race to the top of international architecture schools. The university campus was inaugurated on June 22 at the Presenza di fine giugno 2021.
The project is by Ottavio Di Blasi – ODB&Partners from an idea by Renzo Piano: it is a radical reorganization of the spaces of the complex in via Bonardi and its transformation into a modern Urban Campus.
The original idea of ​​the project was developed starting from some original sketches donated to the Politecnico (and to the city of Milan) by Renzo Piano. Subsequently, the design of the complex was entrusted to Ottavio Di Blasi, his close collaborator since the 1980s. Both Renzo and Ottavio are “alumni” of the Politecnico di Milano.
The site includes two existing buildings: the Trifoglio and the Nave, designed by Gio Ponti, another fellow alumnus of the Politecnico di Milano. Both structures will be restored and revitalized as part of the final project.
The new complex will serve as the home for the school’s new Architecture Campus, focused on excellence in teaching, research and innovation. The big numbers are:
The new discrete buildings (4,000 m2) are partially submerged underground and contain classrooms for 800 students
The heart of the Campus will be the Architectural Model Lab (1600 m2) containing traditional model-making facilities (wood and resin), as well as digital and 3D printing facilities.
The student lobby is located on the pilotis level of the nave building
Covered by accessible terraces, the structures take on a low profile and are set within a forest of over 130 trees
The parterre (7000 m2) is an open-air space equipped with electronic benches in the shade of the trees
The architecture of all the new buildings as well as the cladding of the perimeter walls is made with the same façade system. To meet the tight deadlines, the building structure is made of dry-assembled steel components that support X-Lamm wood panels.
The new Campus is open to the city, connecting the public park on the north side with Piazza Leonardo da Vinci and the historic district of the Politecnico di Milano.