At the Fiera di Padova, the new Engineering Hub of the University of Padua
11.06.2025
It was inaugurated today the new Engineering Hub of the University of Padua, located in the Padua Fairgrounds area (via Tommaseo).
Designed by the international architecture firm Settanta7, the new educational hub is a flagship project in urban regeneration and sustainable architecture. It is poised to become a major center for education, applied research, and technology transfer.
The building, which can accommodate up to 3,000 students, spans four above-ground floors and covers more than 7,200 square meters. Within its laminated timber structure, the hub features 14 traditional classrooms, study rooms, computer labs, a common area, laboratories, and adaptable learning spaces.
Educational areas are located in the east and west wings of the building, connected by a large central space, while the four floors are connected by staircases, designed as an additional place for interaction.
Outside, it offers around 300 square meters of accessible green areas and a public square open to the wider community.
The inauguration ceremony of the new Hub will be attended by the rector, Daniela Mapelli, the vice-rector for Buildings, Carlo Pellegrino, the president of the School of Engineering, Andrea Gerosa, the general director of the University of Padua, Alberto Scuttari, the Prefect of Padua, Giuseppe Forlenza, the city councilor of Padua, Antonio Bressa, and the president of the Padua Chamber of Commerce, Antonio Santocono.
The renovation work on Pavilion No. 2 and the construction of the new building began in 2024. The highly innovative project focused on space flexibility and accessibility, environmental sustainability, and urban integration.
Among its defining features are advanced construction technologies, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls and prefabricated wooden structures, innovative low-impact building systems, solar panels, and other measures that enabled the project to achieve LEED Platinum certification—the highest recognition for building sustainability.
The structure was built using a dry-assembly solution, with components produced off-site. This approach ensured fast construction timelines, allowing the site to be completed in just 16 months, at a total cost of €28.5 million.
The choices made during the construction process resulted in a reduction of 2,100 tons of CO₂ emissions, the creation of over 3,400 square meters of permeable outdoor surfaces, and the regeneration of soil and biodiversity.
The new Hub represents a significant step forward in creating innovative, inclusive, and environmentally responsible learning spaces for the University of Padua, and it strengthens the University's role as a cultural driver in the region.
