A New Engineering Hub Is Born at the University of Padua

In the heart of Padua’s exhibition area, a new university hub has been created, designed to serve as a reference point for education, applied research, and technology transfer. Designed by architecture firm Settanta7, this innovative Engineering Hub is located on Via Tommaseo, where Pavilion 2 of the Fiera—now demolished—once stood.

The facility spans 3,500 m² across four floors and includes 14 classrooms of various capacities (from 100 to 300 seats), computer labs, flexible spaces, and accessible green areas. A 50 m² public square, also open to citizens, fosters integration between the university and the community. The building is designed to accommodate 3,000 students, as well as faculty and administrative staff.

A Nod to the University’s Identity

The building takes the form of a rectangular volume with two protruding wings on the south façade. Its exterior is characterized by large glazed surfaces screened by sun-shading systems that ensure ample natural light and environmental comfort. Inside, educational functions are distributed in the east and west wings, connected by a central longitudinal core that promotes spatial flexibility. Circulation elements such as staircases are not merely functional but become places for social interaction and informal gatherings between students and professors.

The project also pays close attention to the building’s aesthetic and symbolic identity: the color palette references the university's official hues, reinforcing the structure’s symbolic role within the urban and cultural fabric.

Wood as the Protagonist

Wood was chosen as the primary building material to reduce the project’s environmental impact, enhance indoor air quality, and deliver high structural performance. The structure uses approximately 2,540 m³ of X-LAM panels and 1,030 m³ of glulam timber, aiming to achieve LEED Platinum certification—the highest international recognition for sustainable building practices. Seven-layer X-LAM wall panels and prefabricated "box" roofs demonstrate a strong commitment to construction quality and efficiency.

The external design includes bike and pedestrian paths, green areas with permeable paving, and a rainwater recovery system to improve air quality, regulate temperature, and reduce noise—creating a setting that blends functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. Green roofs covering 300 m², permeable pavements, and 63 kWp photovoltaic systems (with over 300 panels) all contribute to achieving A4 energy class and NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standards.

>>> Discover the primary school designed by Settanta7 in Brugnera (Pordenone)