IULM 8 | 2023

The new IULM campus building stands as a testament to contemporary architecture and urban sensitivity, reflecting the dynamic nature of Milan’s urban landscape. Situated in a rapidly transforming district on the edge of the city center, this project balances tradition and innovation, creating a space that caters to the needs of modern education while integrating harmoniously with its historical and industrial surroundings.

A Catalyst for Urban Renewal
The IULM campus has evolved over time, blending the open green spaces and isolated pavilions typical of Anglo-Saxon traditions with the Italian courtyard-and-portico model. Located near Milan’s circle railway line and public transit, the new building leverages its strategic position to engage with the pedestrian flow, forming a vibrant entry point to the campus. Its architecture and surrounding open spaces encourage knowledge exchange and social interaction, reinforcing IULM’s role as a center of educational excellence and urban vitality.

Spaces for the Present and Future
The building enhances the campus’s network of collective spaces. An internal street connecting IULM 1 and IULM 3 is redefined by a piazzetta at ground level, leading to a cascading stairway that accesses a lower-level café, swimming pool, and fitness center. At its core, a striking triple-height atrium showcases the openness and connectivity of the design. This central space, featuring expansive glazing and open staircases, links all levels and fosters interaction.

Programmatically, the spaces are optimized for their specific requirements of light, accessibility, and functionality. Generous circulation areas accommodate flexible study and workstations, reflecting contemporary learning practices driven by technology.

Environmental and Urban Sensitivity
Sustainability underpins every aspect of the project. The building’s roof employs north-facing shed structures for natural light and south-facing photovoltaic panels to minimize energy consumption. Materials and construction methods prioritize low embedded energy and reduced maintenance costs, aligning with principles of environmental stewardship.

Architecturally, the building reflects a “new urbanity” that respects both its industrial heritage and the existing campus architecture. Its dented roofline, exposed brickwork, and glass surfaces pay homage to the area’s industrial past while maintaining continuity with the campus’s aesthetic. The cantilevered façade along Via Russoli extends to Via Filargo, integrating a prominent digital screen that marks the building as a landmark visible to pedestrians and train passengers alike.

A Dialogue with Milan’s Future
The new IULM campus building is more than an educational facility, it is an urban statement. Balancing local scale and metropolitan dialogue, it enriches the evolving identity of Milan as a global city. With its thoughtful integration of sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics, the project exemplifies how architecture can foster community and drive urban renewal while contributing to a city’s cultural and architectural landscape.

Category:Schools and UniversitiesLocation:ItalyArchitect: Paolo Catrambone, ItalyDesign Team: Paolo Catrambone, Maria Ave RomaniOther:Cino Zucchi ArchitettiPhotographer: Alessandro Rossi