How the Village Will Become a Campus
Plans are underway to transform the Olympic Village in Milan into the city's first urban university campus, set to accommodate 1,700 students by 2026.
Luca Mangia, the general manager of Coima Res, outlines an ambitious plan to convert the Olympic Village into Milan's first urban university campus within five months. This initiative aims to create a vibrant, interconnected living environment that transcends traditional student housing. The ground floor of the residential buildings will feature 10,000 square meters of services open to all, which are currently being negotiated with the local municipality. The campus is designed to not only provide student accommodation but also integrate with the surrounding neighborhood, enhancing community interaction.
Progress is already underway, as the Milan Cortina 2026 Foundation will progressively return areas to the Coima group, which specializes in real estate development. Starting on April 1st, renovations will begin on the 1,200 rooms and common spaces to create a suitable environment for students, ultimately accommodating up to 1,700 students. The goal is to complete this transformation by the end of August or early September, just in time for the 2026/27 academic year, addressing the acute shortage of student housing in Milan.
This project represents a significant step in enhancing Milan’s educational infrastructure and responding to its growing student population. With the demand for student accommodation on the rise, the establishment of this urban campus not only serves students but also aims to foster a more integrated community within the city. Coima's efforts highlight the importance of collaborative development between private enterprise and municipal needs, ensuring that urban development benefits a wider population beyond merely students.