Designing new sustainable streets through Nature-Based Solutions in medium-sized cities
The objective of the Intensive School is to address the design of public open spaces using Nature-based Solutions (NBS) along heavily used urban streets that lack adequate urban quality, taking Pavia as a case study and situating the work within DORIAN, DICAr’s research project funded under the Department of Excellence programme. The BIP aims to explore this topic through a series of lectures delivered by faculty members of the University of Pavia, partner institutions, and external experts, as well as through the development of a design project for Pavia’s street system (Via Trieste, Viale Golgi, Viale Taramelli), which connects the railway station to the hospital (Policlinico San Matteo) and to the scientific and medical faculties of the University.
Students will work in international groups to encourage the exchange of ideas from different schools of architecture, civil/building engineering and landscape architecture, thereby promoting mutual learning and the enrichment of knowledge and skills.
The Intensive School will be held in English and will include both lectures and a design workshop. Activities will take place over five/six days, with eight hours of work per day, and a final day consisting of four hours.
Each morning will feature a lecture delivered by faculty members from the University of Pavia, guests from partner universities, or speakers from architectural practices or institutions recognized as leaders in research. These lectures aim to introduce new ideas and concepts to support project development, broaden students’ knowledge, and stimulate their curiosity. The remainder of the day will be dedicated to the design workshop, during which students —supported by tutors and faculty during review sessions — will work on developing design proposals for the public and connective spaces of the street system identified in the north- western area of Pavia, with particular attention to the se and integration of Nature-Based Solutions for the regeneration of a sustainable and accessible city.
After an introductory two-hour online, seminar, the BIP will take place in person at the premises of the Faculty of Engineering and of the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture in Pavia.
The virtual part will take place on 29th June 2026.
The mobility in presence will take place from 06/07/2026 – to 11/07/2026.
University of Pavia students interested in taking part should contact Prof. Carlo Berizzi or Prof. Gaia Nerea Terlicher.
The BIP is open to a maximum of 30 students, selected through an interview — conducted either in person or online with the support of international partners — following the submission of a motivated application.
The course will award 3 ECTS to participants.