The project stemmed from the need to optimize and enhance the administrative spaces of the University of Bergamo, the university expressed from the outset an interest in giving a strong functional identity by transforming the property into a landmark and reception area, with a new representative building to house all front office activities for students, reception and information points for freshmen, as well as a lecture hall.

Our goal was to design a building capable of creating functional, morphological and environmental connections, opening up the area to the community and outlining a structure that would be representative, functional and recognizable. To achieve this goal, we decided to replace the three existing buildings with a simpler and more rational solution, reducing the urban fabric to just two buildings. This choice was guided by the desire to return new green infrastructure to the university community and the neighborhood, upgrading the spaces of the lot.

The new buildings are presented as unified and compact bodies, developed in height on two levels (Body A) and three levels (Body B), creating an outdoor green space characterized by areas designed for meeting and socializing. We equipped all buildings with open-space office areas, with direct access to outdoor spaces on the ground floor. An overhanging element not only reduces solar radiation on interior spaces, but also provides a covered pathway, improving user comfort.

In addition to the objectives of social and morphological inclusion, we paid special attention to the design of the outdoor areas, implementing environmental retrofitting in accordance with LEED Sustainable site criteria. Green areas were designed as a means of promoting, protecting and restoring natural habitats, while also helping to reduce the heat island effect through the use of high SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) paving.

With this project, we intend not only to respond to the operational needs of the University of Bergamo, but also to create a place that encourages interaction between students, faculty and citizens, offering modern and sustainable work spaces in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment.