“Is this really the place?” you might ask. Palazzo Nuovo stands before you. It is a key part of the University of Turin. Palazzo Nuovo is more than just a building. It is a place of learning, debate, and architectural interest.
Let’s delve into the story of Palazzo Nuovo. Its construction occurred between 1961 and 1966. Architects Gino Levi-Montalcini, Felice Bardelli, Sergio Hutter, and Domenico Morelli designed it. The University of Turin held a competition for the design of new humanities facilities. This is how the architects were chosen.
However, Palazzo Nuovo’s story isn’t without controversy. Since its opening in 1968, it has faced criticism. People debated its visual impact. They also questioned its fit with the surrounding historical buildings.
In the 1970s, Palazzo Nuovo became a site of student unrest. Students from different political groups clashed with police. Occupations and student assemblies frequently occurred. These events, especially in 1976 and 1977, caused significant damage to Palazzo Nuovo. Its structure and classrooms suffered.
Years later, from 2011 to 2012, Palazzo Nuovo underwent a colorful transformation. Artists painted vibrant murals on its sides. The aim was to break the monotony of the facades. Recent renovations have altered this. One mural was removed. The building’s exterior now aligns more closely with the nearby Campus Luigi Einaudi. These changes also improved Palazzo Nuovo’s energy efficiency.
In 2015, Palazzo Nuovo closed for several months as a precaution. There was a suspected presence of asbestos. A gradual reopening began in September 2015. Cleanup efforts continued into 2016.
A comprehensive renovation project started in 2018. This project addressed safety regulations. It cost around one million euros. The project also reorganized departments. The Department of Philosophy and Educational Sciences now occupies the sixth floor. Offices and seminar rooms for History and Literature are on the fifth floor. The fourth and third floors are shared between these two departments. Future plans include library improvements, pending funding.
Palazzo Nuovo is constructed mainly of steel. It was one of the first buildings in Turin to be constructed in this way. It is home to the School of Humanities. This school oversees the academic activities of the Departments of Philosophy and Educational Sciences. It also manages the Departments of Humanities and Historical Studies.
Inside Palazzo Nuovo, you will find classrooms, research spaces, computer rooms, labs, and study halls. The basement houses the library of the Department of Historical Studies. It is named after the historian Giovanni Tabacco. The Guido Quazza Multimedia Lab is also in the basement.
Despite the initial criticisms, Palazzo Nuovo has become an integral part of the University of Turin. It reflects the city’s evolving architectural landscape. It also demonstrates Turin’s commitment to education. The story of Palazzo Nuovo is a mix of architecture, education, and social change. It stands as a testament to Turin’s dynamic history.