Universit� degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Work begins on the new MO-53 teaching pavilion at the “Enzo Ferrari” Engineering Campus of Unimore

Today, at the Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari" at Unimore, a press conference was held to officially launch the construction of the MO-53 teaching pavilion. This strategic initiative is set to significantly enhance both the educational offering and the quality of learning spaces within the Modena campus.

The event was attended by Unimore’s Rector, Carlo Adolfo Porro, the Vice President of the Emilia-Romagna Region and delegate for Higher Education, Vincenzo Colla, Unimore’s General Director, Luca Chiantore, Paolo Tartarini, Unimore’s Delegate for Building Projects, Francesco Leali, Director of the Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari," and Stefano Savoia, Head of Unimore’s Technical Directorate. The meeting provided an opportunity to present the project in detail, highlighting its role in the university’s growth and its contribution to a broader infrastructure development plan.

A New Space for Learning

Designed by OBR Open Building Research architects Paolo Brescia and Tommaso Principi, along with Politecnica Building for Humans Modena, the project will integrate seamlessly into the Engineering Campus, addressing the rising demand for education. The MO-53 pavilion will feature five new classrooms spread across multiple levels, accommodating up to 1,100 students. This new structure will enhance the quality of teaching while optimising the use of space for students and faculty. While primarily intended for engineering activities, it will also be available for medical and health-related programmes.

The architectural design balances functionality with aesthetics, creating a new volume that interacts harmoniously with the adjacent building, respecting proportions and visual impact. The facade will feature vertical aluminium sunshades, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of the pilaster system already present in the surrounding area. Inside, the space is designed for maximum usability: the ground floor will include a 300-seat classroom overlooking a covered plaza, conceived as a communal hub connecting the campus. The first floor will house a 300-seat and a 200-seat classroom, while the second floor will feature two 150-seat classrooms, study areas, and a terrace designed for both relaxation and study.

The layout is centred around a double-height core housing stairs and lifts, ensuring smooth and accessible circulation. One of the project’s defining features is the inclusion of external loggias, designed as transition spaces between indoors and outdoors, fostering student interaction. A vertical circulation route connects the covered plaza to the large upper terrace, offering a sequence of spaces that guide learning and study activities in an increasingly open environment.

A Strategic Investment in Unimore’s Future

With a total investment of €10.1 million, the project is funded through a mix of public and private contributions. The Ministry of Universities and Research has allocated €4.7 million, the Emilia-Romagna Region has contributed €4 million, and Confindustria Emilia has provided an additional €800,000, supported by businesses from Bologna, Ferrara, and Modena.

The regional funding is part of a broader investment plan for university infrastructure, aimed at strengthening educational facilities across the territory. During the press conference, speakers emphasised the importance of expanding and upgrading teaching spaces, highlighting how these improvements are essential for Unimore as it responds to the increasing demand for higher education.

Timeline and Project Development

The official start of construction marks the first step towards a transformation of the "Enzo Ferrari" Engineering Campus. The project is scheduled to be completed in 510 days, with the building expected to be ready by mid-2026. The construction work has been awarded to ITI Impresa Generale Spa of Modena and will be overseen by the same team responsible for the design phase.

The execution plan ensures adherence to both timelines and quality standards, with phased interventions allowing construction to proceed without disrupting existing campus activities.

The new building will feature state-of-the-art systems with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. The use of innovative materials and advanced technologies will help reduce energy consumption while improving thermal and acoustic performance.

“This new educational building,” stated Unimore’s Rector Carlo Adolfo Porro, “translates into architecture the idea of a university that serves a civic function as well as an academic one. It represents a further step in the redevelopment and expansion of the Engineering Campus. The project introduces spaces that guide, welcome, and give shape to knowledge, placing the quality of the learning environment at its core. The sequence of spaces, clarity of layout, and attention to light and materials enhance the educational experience. Functionality, sustainability, and attention to students’ daily lives coexist in this building. I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Universities and Research, the Emilia-Romagna Region, and Confindustria Emilia Area Centro for their support, as well as to the Technical Directorate and everyone who contributed with professionalism to the planning, coordination, and launch of the project.”

“The Emilia-Romagna Region,” said Vice President Vincenzo Colla, “continues to invest in knowledge and education, creating synergies between institutions and stakeholders. This is money well spent, as it will expand spaces and opportunities for students. We are talking about an internationally significant campus, located in a region with a strong industrial culture, capable of attracting students interested in STEM subjects. Moreover, this is a sustainable construction project, designed with energy efficiency in mind, providing more comfortable and functional spaces. The quality of learning environments plays a crucial role in knowledge dissemination and academic success.”

“This project,” noted Unimore’s General Director, Luca Chiantore , “marks a significant expansion and qualitative improvement of the teaching spaces at the Modena Engineering Campus. It aligns with other key developments on campus, such as the completion of the AI building, the energy efficiency upgrade with solar panels, and the renovation of research laboratories and outdoor spaces for students and faculty. Our strategy aims to strengthen university infrastructure, which is essential for enhancing Unimore’s missions: teaching, research, and community engagement. This investment will also increase the university’s attractiveness to future students. I sincerely thank the Technical Directorate, the design teams, and everyone who contributed to bringing this project to life on schedule.”

“The launch of construction for the MO-53 teaching pavilion,” said Paolo Tartarini, Unimore’s Delegate for Energy and Building Issues, “is a major milestone in two key aspects: the collaboration between public and private institutions and the university’s strategic building and energy planning. Sustainability and accessibility have been the foundation of this shared design process. The expansion of teaching and research spaces at Unimore, which extends beyond MO-53 to various projects across Modena and Reggio Emilia, is part of a broader partnership between the university and local institutions, led by the Emilia-Romagna Region. This collaboration aims to support Unimore’s growth while primarily investing in young people, who play a fundamental role in the region’s development. Today, we take pride in knowing we are making the right choices for the future.”

“The goal of the Department in optimising new spaces,” added Francesco Leali, Director of the DIEF, “is to place students at the heart of a learning experience that encourages them to engage fully with campus life. These new classrooms, together with existing teaching and research facilities, as well as new indoor and outdoor spaces, will allow students to share experiences, exchange ideas, and interact critically with faculty and researchers. We firmly believe that full participation in university life, through open knowledge exchange and debate, is the best way to train professionals, future leaders, and, above all, responsible citizens.”

Categorie: International - english, Notizie_eng