Valle d’Aosta, Italy
The Valle d’Aosta University Campus, designed by Mario Cucinella Architects (MCA), is a transformative project that repurposes the former Testafochi Barracks in Aosta, Italy, into a modern educational facility.
The campus accommodates approximately 2,000 students, providing spaces for teaching and shared activities across various faculties.
The design preserves and rehabilitates the main existing structures while introducing two new buildings.
This approach respects the original layout and revitalizes the area by opening it up to the city, creating a contemporary landmark for Aosta.
Sustainability is a core aspect of the project. The buildings feature compact volumes with high thermal insulation to address the region’s significant temperature variations.
The integrated design of the building envelope and systems reduces energy consumption and incorporates renewable energy sources, aiming for nearly zero-energy building (NZEB) standards.
The campus design enhances cultural activities by expanding green spaces and integrating them into a system that traverses the city, fostering a connection between the university and the urban environment.
Architecturally, the new buildings draw inspiration from glacial forms, creating a “technological glacier” that serves as a manifesto of environmental sustainability and nods to organic architecture.
Overall, the Valle d’Aosta University Campus exemplifies how architecture can honor historical contexts while embracing innovation and sustainability, establishing a new cultural and educational hub for the city of Aosta.
Project: Valle d’Aosta University Campus
Architects: Mario Cucinella Architects
Lead Architect: Mario Cucinella, Giulio Desiderio, Donato Labella, and Michele Olivieri
Design Team: Fabrizio Bonatti, Lucrezia Rendace, Julissa Gutarra, Nada Balestri, David Hirsh, Rigoberto Arambula, Luca Stramigioli, Davide Stolfi, Giulia Pentella, Alberto Bruno, and Yuri Costantini
Structural Engineers: Sintecna Srl.
Photographers: Duccio Malagamba
