Updating the type of building where the presidency is situated and completely restructuring a laboratory that had not been used for years, but was particularly visible from the entrance to the campus: these were the objectives of the project. Initially the idea was to carry out both works by paying particular attention to a certain image consistency; the functional programmes, which were very different from each other, have been reconciled though very radical choices that stick with the use of a few materials, pale wood and glass, taking advantage of their communication power and of the variety of applications they suggest. The pale colouring of the maple floor of the presidency also characterises the new façade of the ex laboratory building and the textile flooring perfectly reflects texture and shade. The main objective was to create an alternative work environment, where the priority of the values linked to life quality, communication fluidity, calm and reflection is asserted in a cultural climate which is typical of the university environments designed to promote and spur thought and not only make order and results easier to achieve. Much transparency in internal partitions; wood flooring and warm, indirect lighting produce an environment with a visually domestic character; the choice of furniture with simple designs, far from the mechanical quality of many current systems, contributes to obtain a peaceful atmosphere that induces convivial rather than aggressive behaviour. The organisational concept proposed for the presidency - with very large covered spaces which, while allowing flexibility of use inside, look rigid and permanent in their outside appearance - is reproduced also in operational areas, thus establishing high-quality relations between open spaces/closed spaces, without having to use modular partitions that can be dismantled. The projects of the two buildings, which use similar materials, also show the wish for a common attitude that goes beyond hierarchic schemes, but is spread at all levels.

Total surface 2400 sqm