University campus and training centre

Savone, Italy

University campus and training centre
Savona, Itay
1997-2007

Italian Architecture Golden Medal (2003)
Best Design Prize “Cuneo-Savona” (2002)

program: requalification of Bligny former barracks: 6 buildings for training, library-mediateque, advanced training centre, 2 laboratory buildings, 1 block of residences for students, auditorium (350 seats)
total area: 8850 sqm
client: Università di Genova
project: Alfonso Femia * with Chaix & Morel Associés, Paola Arbocò, Pierluigi Feltri, Antonio Lagorio, Maurizio Vallino
structural engineering: Fabrizio Feltri
contractor: A.T.I.
photos : ©E.Caviola
“The conversion of the old Bligny Barracks into an university campus is intended to transform a complex (until now completely shut off from the outside) into a set of buildings opening up on to the neighbourhood, creating continuity between interior and exterior spaces.” AF
The conversion of the old Bligny Barracks into an university campus is intended to transform a complex (until now completely shut off from the outside) into a set of buildings opening up on to the neighbourhood, creating continuity between interior and exterior spaces. Gambling on the landscape quality of the location in conjunction with its new function, the blank and opaque buildings become busy places of interaction and exchange.

The aim of the project was to create a functional, spatial and psychological transformation of a set of military education buildings into a complex that represents: – a real and symbolic opportunity for the local community: a training area must interact actively with both the cultural world of the private citizen and the business world; – exploitation of the natural features of the place in relation to its new function: wide windows protected by the same type of brise-soleil roof that covers all the campus buildings let the natural world enter what were uncommunicative buildings transforming them into places of activity and exchange. – exploitation of open spaces: a university campus and training site is also a place of creativity and surprises; careful planning of the open spaces between the buildings for particular purposes (sport, relaxation, open air perfomances, social exchange) was a complementary element of the project and of equal importance to the buildings.