The new Leonardo da Vinci Student Residence: a place to live, study and build community

Originally built in 1934 and located in the heart of the Città Studi district, the residence has undergone an extensive modernisation programme as part of the Politecnico di Milano's student housing development plan, supported by funding under Italian Law 338/2000. The project aimed to bring the building up to contemporary standards of comfort and sustainability while increasing the availability of student accommodation.

More accommodation and a higher quality living experience

Following the completion of the works, the Student Residence now offers a total of 420 beds, an increase of 84 places compared to its previous capacity. This significant expansion helps address the growing demand for student housing in Milan.

The refurbishment involved both the residential areas and the shared spaces, with a complete interior redesign and reorganisation aimed at providing students with more functional, comfortable environments better suited to university life.

Energy efficiency, accessibility and comfort

A key aspect of the project focused on improving the building's energy performance through upgrades to the building envelope, the replacement of windows and the renovation of technical systems. These measures have significantly modernised the residence, reducing energy consumption while enhancing indoor comfort.

The refurbishment also brought the building into compliance with current regulations on safety, fire prevention and accessibility, creating a more inclusive and accessible living environment.

New spaces for studying, socialising and community life

As highlighted by Michele Giussani, President of the Student Council:

"Faced with a project that addresses such a fundamental need as having a home, one cannot help but feel deeply grateful and satisfied. [...] Our satisfaction stems not only from the crucial increase in the number of beds, but also from some of the residence's structural features, which I believe are particularly valuable. There are shared spaces such as study rooms, leisure areas and kitchens where students can cook and eat together, encouraging them to meet, build relationships and share their everyday lives. This is essential because solving the housing issue alone is not enough if the deeper need not to feel alone remains unmet. Even the most beautiful residence with the best facilities cannot fulfil a person's needs without fostering a sense of community. For this reason, social interaction must be at the heart of designing places centred on people's wellbeing, especially for young adults."

One of the project's defining features is the significant expansion of spaces dedicated to studying, social interaction and shared activities, reflecting the understanding that a university residence is not simply a place to live, but also a place where relationships are built.

The residence now includes five study rooms distributed across the residential floors, providing a total of 84 study places. These are complemented by a large study room on the top floor of the Romagna wing with 50 seats, as well as two additional study rooms on the basement level, one of which currently accommodates approximately 60 students.

The shared facilities also include areas for preparing and sharing meals, leisure spaces and common areas designed to encourage social interaction and community life within the residence. In the same spirit, the refurbishment of the auditorium and the transformation of the historic gymnasium into a modern indoor beach volleyball court create further opportunities for students to come together through sports, cultural and recreational activities.

With an investment of approximately €35.6 million, the new Leonardo da Vinci Student Residence represents not only a major building refurbishment project, but also an investment in the quality of the university experience.

It reflects a broad understanding of sustainability, recognising the residence not only as a place to live, but also as an environment that supports learning, personal growth and community life.