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Pedestrian priority on campus

Università IULM prioritizes pedestrian and cyclist access on campus, embedding this policy into its broader commitment to sustainable urban regeneration and low-carbon mobility. These actions are part of a strategic effort to create a car-free campus and to contribute to the transformation of the surrounding Barona district into a safe, inclusive, and accessible area for both the university community and local residents.

Urban regeneration and campus planning
Over the past thirty years, IULM has played a leading role in the regeneration of the Barona district, once a semi-abandoned industrial zone. Through investments in green areas, pedestrian infrastructure, and cultural initiatives, the university has turned its campus and its surroundings into a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable urban environment. This commitment is aligned with the university’s long-term goal of reducing environmental impacts and fostering social well-being.

Pedestrian-friendly and cycle-friendly campus

  • The entire perimeter of the campus and Via Carlo Bo have been made fully pedestrian-friendly, ensuring safe walking routes throughout the area.
  • All pedestrian routes provide clear and direct access to building entrances, guaranteeing barrier-free circulation for students, staff, visitors, and residents.
  • Cycling and pedestrian routes are connected to public transport nodes, including the Romolo subway and railway station, the Viale Cassala bus stop, and the trolleybus line, reinforcing multimodal access to campus.
  • Dedicated bicycle parking facilities and safe pedestrian crossings encourage sustainable mobility and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Green oases and climate resilience
The pedestrian areas are enriched with green oases, tree-lined spaces, and public seating, offering areas for relaxation, socialization, and cultural exchange. In front of the main university building, two open-air water basins are accessible to the public: they contribute to lowering urban heat during summer months and provide a micro-habitat for local fauna, enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience. Together with the 10,000 m² Silvio F. Baridon Garden, these open spaces form a network of inclusive and sustainable public areas, designed for shared use by the academic community and citizens.

Strategic outcomes
By prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist access, IULM supports environmental sustainability, reduced commuting emissions, and improved urban air quality. These interventions foster healthier lifestyles, strengthen the link between campus and city, and showcase how universities can act as drivers of sustainable urban transformation.