RESTORATION OF THE “FORMER GERIATRIC HOSPITAL” COMPLEX FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW HEADQUARTERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PADUA'S HUMANISTIC DEPARTMENT

The project concerned the redevelopment of the former geriatric complex with a change in intended use. A new humanistic department for the University of Padua, with libraries, classrooms and departmental offices, took over what was once the site of Padua's geriatric hospital. The proposal for the new humanities department was structured on the basis of three principles: the utilisation and recognition of the sequence of open spaces, the redevelopment of the historic features and merit of the area of operation and the urban reconnection of the new complex with the surrounding development. The first theme concerned the arrangement of the Cloisters and courtyards, through a study of the spaces and pathways that will mark the new library hub that will be housed within the 19th-century part. The second theme concerned the interior spaces of the 19th-century structures in reference to their original presentation, subsequent evolutions and current requirements. The third theme concerned urban reconnection, a key issue for the entire complex and natural consequence of the change in use from once being a geriatric facility. The complex is split into 2 lots: Lot A with 12 building bodies and Lot B with 5 constructions covering an area of 14,738 square metres.