Studentato Saffi

The goal of the region of Emilia-Romagna of zero-ground consumption by 2050 is assumed, which promotes the regeneration of built areas according to sustainability criteria and the expansion of services and strategic functions. Additionally, as expected by the Urban Sustainable Mobility Plan for Bologna, there will soon be a new tram-like rapid transit system and stop facing the building, and the addition of a cycle path that will be the first cyclable infrastructure at a metropolitan level in Italy.

The project involves only one building of the two-unit real estate property, articulated in two blocks: the first is parallel to the main road and the second orthogonal to it. The building facing the main road has nine floors above grade while the other has six floors, and the two buildings share two underground levels below. At the ground level, the main reception area is configured as an open flexible space that at varying times of the day can be used as a restaurant space, bar, café, or a space to socialize, study or work.

Starting at the first floor, a large classroom overlooking the portico is proposed. The student rooms are organized in a traditional hotel arrangement. Additionally, at the first, second, fourth and sixth floors, there are common kitchens for students to use with accessory leisure areas. In the first underground level, there is a fitness room and laundry facilities for students as well as parking spaces. The exterior space is restored and transformed into a rich green space with a pedestrian access ramp (currently only for vehicular use) integrated in a series of stepped elements that serve as seating and for other internal functions such as for the restaurant and fitness room.

The fundamental objectives of the architectural design and the technological choice in the facade design were to improve the energy performance of the building envelope, guarantee acoustic design, and adopt an architectural language that favors the integration of the elements within the urban context. The integration of the new façade with respect to the existing derives from researching elements that characterize the building today, such as the horizontal details that mark the floor plates and colors, integrating these essential features into a new design.