Building on brownfield sites

Università IULM builds on brownfield sites where possible, prioritizing the regeneration of underutilized and degraded areas in Milan to create sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban spaces. This approach reflects the university’s long-term commitment to urban renewal and sustainable development, particularly in the Barona district, where IULM has acted as a driver of transformation over the last three decades.

Urban regeneration of the Barona district
When IULM first established its campus in Barona, the area was a semi-abandoned industrial zone. Through successive redevelopment projects, the university has contributed to turning the district into a safer, greener, and culturally vibrant community. Investments have included new university buildings, pedestrian and cycling routes, green oases, and open cultural spaces accessible to citizens. These initiatives exemplify IULM’s vision of combining academic functions with urban sustainability.

Cascina Moncucco – from abandoned farmhouse to sustainable residence
A flagship example is the restoration of Cascina Moncucco, a 17th-century farmhouse in disrepair that IULM has completely rehabilitated. Now a student residence and cultural hub, the building is LEED Silver certified and integrates energy and water efficiency measures, including low-flow fixtures and a 90 m³ rainwater collection system. This project, supported by the Ministry of Education, the Lombardy Region, and the Municipality of Milan, demonstrates how heritage sites can be repurposed into sustainable infrastructure while serving both students and the local community.

IULM 6 – new development on a brownfield site
Another key initiative is IULM 6, a building developed on a brownfield site to expand the campus with multifunctional and energy-efficient spaces. Designed with sustainable construction materials and systems, IULM 6 reflects the university’s strategy of using underutilized land for low-impact, future-oriented architecture.

Strategic impact
Through the redevelopment of brownfield sites in Barona, IULM has transformed abandoned or degraded spaces into living, functional, and environmentally sustainable facilities. These projects strengthen ecological connectivity, support alternative mobility (with pedestrian-friendly routes and bicycle storage instead of new parking), and enrich the community with accessible green and cultural areas.

By embedding brownfield regeneration into its planning, IULM reinforces its role as a responsible actor in urban sustainability, by converting underused areas into inclusive and resilient spaces that benefit both students and the wider city.