Once upon a time a 17th-century farmstead stood in Milan. This is Cascina Cittadina. It wasn’t always a vibrant cultural center. For many years it was sadly neglected. Like other farms in Milan it became a symbol of urban decay. But this charming place held enormous potential.
Cascina Cittadina sits on land once part of the ancient Vicus Baroni. This 16th-century town was known for its abundant water. This was perfect for agriculture. A historical document from 1600 shows Cascina Cittadina. It was a manor house and a mill. Later additions in the 18th and 19th centuries gave it the closed courtyard shape we see today. Its current form dates back to the period between the two world wars. The last building was added in 1934.
IULM University saw the potential of Cascina Cittadina. With help from the Ministry of Education and the Lombardy Region they renovated it. A loan from Milan’s Municipality also helped. The renovation took 18 months. This was faster than the original 24-month estimate.
The result is stunning. Cascina Cittadina now houses around 100 young people. It also hosts cultural events for the public. This shows a remarkable partnership between public and private sectors. The project cost one-third of the original estimate. It has also restored a historical asset.
The restoration didn’t just focus on aesthetics. Environmental sustainability was key. Cascina Cittadina earned a Silver LEED Italia 2009 NC certification in 2017. Low-flow toilets save 50% of water. A large rainwater collection tank irrigates green spaces. This clever system avoids using drinking water. The university cleverly minimized car parking. Instead it provides secure bicycle parking. This encourages sustainable transport. Cascina Cittadina shows a brighter future for urban redevelopment. Its success serves as an inspiring model for similar projects. Cascina Cittadina is more than just a building. It’s a testament to renewal a symbol of hope and a vibrant hub for the community.