FABIO FERRARI SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGT HUB
UNIVERSITY OF TRENTO

Located on the Povo hill to the northeast of Trento and adjacent to the “Fondazione Kessler” research center, the Technology Hub hosts the Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, the Department of Industrial Engineering, the Department of Cellular Biology, and several other specialized advanced research centers.
The architectural design establishes a dual dialogue—both with the surrounding landscape and with the Foundation’s building—promoting interaction and interdisciplinary exchange among the different research fields.

The complex consists of two compact rectangular buildings, referred to as Block 1 and Block 2, connected by an elevated walkway. These buildings house teaching facilities, laboratories, and spaces dedicated to shared services such as the cafeteria, archive, and underground parking. The underground storey hosts a Data Center serving the entire complex.

Engineering Systems

The energy production systems for each of the two buildings are organized around a thermal plant equipped with high‑efficiency gas‑fired hot water generators, and a cooling plant featuring air‑cooled screw‑type chillers capable of modulating output according to varying load conditions.

Each building is served by its own medium‑voltage/low‑voltage electrical substation, comprising multiple transformers and an emergency generator sized to support all building loads except a portion of non‑essential power‑intensive equipment and part of the cooling production.
Both blocks are also equipped with absolute‑continuity UPS systems, supplying a widespread distribution network that feeds critical equipment whose operation depends on uninterrupted and high‑quality electrical power—such as laboratory instrumentation, IT systems, and other sensitive devices.