Public access to green spaces
Università IULM provides free public access to open spaces and green spaces, ensuring that its campus and surrounding areas contribute to the creation of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environments.
A flagship initiative is the Silvio Federico Baridon Garden, a 10,000-square-meter green area in the southern part of Milan. Entirely created by IULM as part of its long-term urban regeneration strategy for the Barona district, the garden has been freely accessible to the public since its redevelopment. It offers workout equipment, a synthetic turf soccer field, a playground designed for children with disabilities, a designated dog area, and shaded seating areas with benches and tables. By opening this space to all citizens, IULM has transformed a former underused site into a community asset that promotes social inclusion, well-being, and sustainability.
In addition to the Baridon Garden, the entire IULM campus integrates smaller green oases, tree-lined pedestrian areas, and open courtyards equipped with benches and rest areas. These spaces are open to residents, visitors, and the university community, providing opportunities for leisure, cultural exchange, and everyday social interaction.
Directly in front of the main university building, two open-air water basins are available to the public. These basins contribute to reducing the heat-island effect by lowering temperatures during the hottest months in Milan, while also serving as a habitat where local fauna can cool down and thrive, reinforcing IULM’s role in fostering urban biodiversity and climate resilience
Importantly, IULM has linked the creation of these public green spaces to its broader commitment to urban regeneration in Barona. Over the past thirty years, the university has contributed to turning a former semi-abandoned industrial zone into a vibrant and safe area, creating green pedestrian areas, and promoting cultural and social initiatives accessible to the local community.
As part of its sustainability strategy, IULM is committed to protecting and fostering biodiversity within its green areas. Plant selection, green maintenance, and water use are designed to support ecological resilience. By combining public access, biodiversity protection, and urban regeneration, IULM demonstrates how a university campus can serve as a living laboratory for sustainability and community well-being, directly contributing to the creation of accessible and inclusive green spaces for all.