Towards the center

The historic veterinarian campus of Università Degli Studi di Milano (UNIMI) in Milan’s Citta Studi district holds a significant architectural legacy. Established in the early 20th century, this campus has been a silent witness to the city’s urban transformation and the evolution of the academic hub. Now, amidst its rich history and the changing urban fabric, the campus is poised for a comprehensive rejuvenation endeavor. Under the stewardship of the UNIMI building management, the restoration project transcends conventional refurbishment; it seeks to reimagine the existing structures and introduce new spaces with both symbolic and practical significance. However, this ambitious project is not without its challenges, as it requires a delicate fusion of contemporary building methodologies with the enduring architectural heritage of the original complex. The Architectural Design Studio for Built Environment Preservation and Transformation course presents three distinct themes to address the intricate nuances of this restoration initiative. These themes outline strategic interventions in different campus buildings, each repurposed under the directive of the UNIMI building management: THEME 1 (Building 22010) - Envisions a radical approach of complete demolition and reconstruction to establish a new campus entrance and library. THEME 2 (Building 22090) - Advocates for a nuanced strategy involving building renovation, extension, and addition to create new research centers equipped with educational facilities. THEME 3 (Building 22080) - Proposes a comprehensive scheme encompassing building renovation, upper floor removal, and new construction to develop exhibition and museum spaces tailored for the Department of APICE. The restoration and transformation project of the theme buildings in the campus presented a unique and challenging opportunity. Among the three assigned buildings, I chose to focus on the theme 2 building, strategically located at the central axis of the campus. This choice was motivated by the building’s potential to yield significant positive impacts through subtle architectural interventions. Delving into the history of Citta Studi in Milan provided valuable insights into the architectural style prevalent in the region. The project building at the Università Degli Studi di Milano (UNIMI) prompted contemplation on the significance of the central axis in architecture and how to leverage this spatial context to its fullest potential. Also regarding to the architecture expression, I tried to express with basic architecture elements roof, walls and openings without decorations. Undoubtedly, as a foreigner not deeply rooted in the local architectural culture, navigating the intricacies of architectural proposals posed numerous challenges. However, through dedicated observation, practical application, and invaluable professional feedback from tutors, I have begun to feel a stronger sense of belonging to this architectural culture. This journey has been both demanding and rewarding, and it stands as a testament to my growing connection with the architectural heritage of Milan.