Project: Valle d’Aosta University Campus
Architecture: MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects
Project team: Mario Cucinella, Giulio Desiderio, Donato Labella, Michele Olivieri
Architects: Fabrizio Bonatti, Lucrezia Rendace, Julissa Gutarra, Nada Balestri, David Hirsh, Rigoberto Arambula, Luca Stramigioli, Davide Stolfi, Giulia Pentella, Alberto Bruno
Location: Aosta, Italy
Area: 52000 m2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Duccio Malagamba
“The Valle d’Aosta University campus is an example of how architecture can interact with the territory, respecting the past while opening new spaces for sharing in the future. This project demonstrates how we can blend historical memory with an innovative vision to meet community needs and environmental challenges,” says Mario Cucinella, Founder & Design Director of MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects.
Recovering a Historic Site for New Cultural Activities
Located near Aosta’s historic centre, the project reclaims the former Testafochi Barracks. The architects preserved the main buildings while repurposing them into a modern university campus. In doing so, they created a new cultural and educational landmark for the city. The design respects the original plan of the barracks while opening up the area to the community. Moreover, the new campus offers teaching spaces for approximately 2,000 students and shared activities for various faculties.
Connecting the Past with a Sustainable Future
The campus stands as a bridge between history and modernity. On one side, the buildings recall the military heritage of the site. On the other, the design introduces a contemporary vision inspired by an iceberg – a nod to the snowy alpine landscape. This inspiration not only ties the project to its surroundings but also contributes to excellent energy performance. The new building follows an organisational model that draws on structural patterns found in nature, making it functionally autonomous.
Innovative Facade and Environmental Strategies
The façade is one of the project’s most defining features. On the piazza side, metal strips and horizontal Betacryl acrylic stone boxes frame glazed and opaque sections. These elements act as both a support and a solar screen. Meanwhile, the structure uses large reinforced concrete floors and walls to create open, spacious classrooms. Furthermore, the design carefully considers solar radiation and wind exposure. By analysing sun paths and shadow dynamics, the team shaped volumetric forms that are compact and thermally insulated. These strategies help protect the building against extreme weather and reduce energy consumption.
Embracing Sustainability and Community
The integrated design of building services and enclosures ensures low energy use while tapping into renewable energy sources. The campus uses environmentally friendly measures to achieve high efficiency. At the same time, the project expands heritage green areas and creates a system of open spaces that run across the city. This approach not only regenerates an urban area but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable and community-focused design.
In summary, the Valle d’Aosta University campus revitalizes the historic Testafochi Barracks. It respects the past and opens new spaces for cultural and educational activities. With innovative design, environmental strategies, and a strong commitment to community, this project stands as a forward-looking model for urban regeneration.
