The former Ospedale degli Innocenti is one of the city’s most significant and prestigious historic buildings; it has been designated a site of historical and artistic interest under Legislative Decree 42/2004.
The building complex, featuring a large courtyard accessible via an elegant portico along Via Massimo d’Azeglio, is naturally suited to serve the city due to its history, distinctive character, location, and spatial and layout configuration. The building was reinforced and renovated—though the work was not completed—based on a design from the early 2000s commissioned by the then-owner, the Province of Bologna.
Subsequently, the firm RICERCA E PROGETTO – Galassi, Mingozzi e Associati was commissioned by INVIMIT starting in 2019 to assess the current condition, design, comprehensive construction supervision, and safety of the building and mechanical/electrical works, for the completion of the residential section, and subsequently to draft a feasibility study aimed at defining three scenarios for the conversion of the “former Ospedale degli Innocenti” into a new service hub for the metropolitan city of Bologna.
The aim of the study is to identify a usage model that highlights the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the monumental complex and can be adapted into a variety of flexible functional and spatial configurations—configurations that are capable of creating natural synergies both among themselves and with the city. As part of the study, the usage model—aimed at revitalizing the former Ospedale degli Innocenti as a place for gathering and sharing services and activities for the city of Bologna—has been developed into three scenarios, intended as examples of possible outcomes that, given the versatility of the monumental complex, could be numerous.
•    Light Scenario - A new coworking space featuring short-term rental residences in the heart of Bologna’s historic center, equipped with spacious areas and shared services open to the city.
•    Medium Scenario - A student house in the city center for students, equipped with shared and public amenities, conveniently connected to all the city’s main university campuses;
•    Plus Scenario - A first for the city: a senior house for independent seniors, located in the city center, with all necessary shared amenities on-site and additional public services.
Specifically, the proposal for the student house calls for completing the 16 apartments already built (almost all studios and one-bedroom units) and adding an additional 5 one-bedroom units on the first floor. The large halls on the main floor will be used as study rooms, a multimedia library, and a fitness area. A laundry facility and a dining area are also planned for the same floor. The mezzanine floor will house offices, three guest rooms with bathrooms for visitors, and a medical clinic open to the public. On the ground floor, overlooking the courtyard, in addition to the reception and administrative area, there will be service facilities open to the public: a bar/restaurant, two large multipurpose rooms (for conferences, meetings, gatherings, etc.), as well as retail spaces and exhibition areas, particularly in the former churches along the portico on Via d’Azeglio, along with additional offices and the entrance hall to the basement fitness center. The basement will house part of the cellars and a fitness center, with massage rooms, a clinic, and facilities for staff and users. To ensure accessibility to the basement, an additional elevator platform will be installed in addition to the three already planned.

Client: Investimenti Immobiliari Italiani SGR S.p.A. (INVIMIT)

Years: 2019/2025