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  6. SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities

Local authority collaboration regarding planning and development

Università IULM works actively with local authorities and stakeholders to address planning issues and development, including ensuring that local residents are able to access affordable housing, embedding these actions in its Strategic Plan 2025–2027 as part of its institutional mission to create a sustainable and inclusive campus integrated with the city.

Long-term commitment to urban regeneration
For over thirty years, IULM has been a central actor in the transformation of the Barona district, once a semi-abandoned industrial area. In partnership with the Municipality of Milan, the university has promoted a large-scale regeneration project that includes:

  • the construction of a pedestrian-friendly, car-free campus serving as a cultural and social hub;
  • the creation of the Silvio Federico Baridon Garden, a 10,000 m² public green space with inclusive and recreational facilities;
  • the restoration of Cascina Moncucco, now a LEED Silver–certified student residence and cultural hub, combining heritage conservation with sustainability;
  • the development of green oases and pedestrian areas, together with public water basins that mitigate heat waves and support urban biodiversity.

These initiatives demonstrate how IULM’s campus has become a laboratory of sustainable urbanism, accessible not only to students and staff but also to the wider community.

Housing and urban planning partnerships
IULM plays an active role in addressing the housing challenge in Milan, collaborating with the Municipality and other universities. Regular strategic meetings with the Mayor of Milan and the Conference of Rectors aim to increase student housing by 10,000 units across the city, while containing rental costs and improving related services such as public transport.
At the same time, IULM has expanded its network of housing partners (Collegiate, Zappyrent, Erasmusu, HousingAnywhere, Milan Housing, MeglioMilano and others), offering discounted and verified accommodation solutions. For low-income and refugee students, housing in IULM’s own residences is provided free of charge, eliminating barriers to access.

Strategic urban revitalization projects
Beyond its own campus, IULM contributes to wider urban revitalization strategies. Through the Fabbrica di Quartiere initiative with the Politecnico di Milano, local authorities and businesses, IULM supports the redevelopment of southeastern districts of Milan, focusing on:

  • ecological connectivity and public green spaces,
  • cultural and economic vitality,
  • inclusive services for residents and students.

These projects are aligned with the Strategic Plan 2025–2027, which identifies urban regeneration, sustainability, and the improvement of student housing and services as core institutional goals.

Strategic impact
IULM’s engagement in housing, public space renewal, and collaborative planning with the Municipality of Milan demonstrates how the university is not only a higher education institution but also a driver of sustainable urban transformation. These initiatives directly ensure inclusive access to affordable housing, creating safe and accessible public spaces, and fostering long-term social and ecological well-being in Milan.