New Engineering Hub Complex Inaugurated in Padua

On Wednesday 11 June, the University of Padua inaugurated the new Engineering Hub Complex: a project that combines architecture, sustainability and strategic vision to create innovative facilities for the education of the future.

Our University’s intervention, completed in 16 months at a total cost of EUR 28.5 million, saw the construction of the new university building within the Via Tommaseo exhibition area, where Pavilion 2 stood.

Designed and constructed with a focus on flexibility and accessibility of spaces, environmental sustainability and urban integration, the building is equipped with classrooms for approximately 3,000 students, self-study and coworking environments, common rooms and computer rooms, spread over four floors.

Each space did innovative technologies such as audio, video and control devices such as LED walls, electrified stations, monitors, touch panels, Co2 and air quality sensors.

Distinctive features at the executive level include the adoption of advanced construction technologies, such as X-Lam wood walls and prefabricated wooden structures, innovative and environmentally friendly plant engineering solutions, and other measures that have made it possible to obtain “LEED platinum1” certification according to international sustainability standards.

Throughout the construction process, the choices made allowed the saving of 2,100 tonnes of CO2, the creation of more than 3,400 square metres of permeable outdoor areas, and the regeneration of soil and biodiversity.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the Rector of the University of Padua Daniela Mapelli, Padua Prefect Giuseppe Forlenza, Padua City Councillor Antonio Bressa, Padua Chamber of Commerce President Antonio Santocono, University Building Pro-rector Carlo Pellegrino, University Director General Alberto Scuttari and School of Engineering President Andrea Gerosa.