Brera Academy's new student residence: tech, green, open to Milan
At the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, a new student residence spanning 3,000 square meters is set to be constructed, with design by the architecture firm Mate. This nearly zero-energy building will house 200 students, with 30% of them being international. It is part of a broader redevelopment initiative involving seven railway yards. The €100 million venture, backed by PNRR and co-financed by Regione Lombardia and Cassa depositi e prestiti, faces delays, with an anticipated completion no sooner than 2026. The facility will include 78 apartments, shared amenities, and a 240-square-meter atrium for cultural events, incorporating sustainable features like rainwater harvesting and a rooftop photovoltaic park. Mate has previously collaborated on projects for Roma Tre University and the University of Insubria.
Key facts
- 3,000 square meters of surface area across six levels plus over 2,000 square meters of balconies, loggias, and terraces
- NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) and gas-free design
- Will house up to 200 out-of-town students; 30% of Brera students come from abroad
- Part of the larger regeneration of seven disused railway yards in Milan
- Masterplan by OMA since 2022; original completion end of 2025, now delayed to after 2026
- €100 million project co-financed by Regione Lombardia and Cassa depositi e prestiti for €20 million
- 109 kW rooftop photovoltaic park and polyvalent heat pumps using groundwater and well water
- 78 apartments: 80% integrated units for three guests, 20% mini-apartments for one or two students
Entities
Institutions
- Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera
- Mate
- OMA
- Regione Lombardia
- Cassa depositi e prestiti
- PNRR
- Università degli Studi Roma Tre
- Università dell'Insubria
- Politecnico di Milano
- Renzo Piano
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- ex Scalo Farini
- Ostia
- Varese
- Campus di Bizzozero
- Bovisa