The cornerstone of the New Campus is laid

After eight years of planning and designing, the USI-SUPSI University Campus in Lugano-Viganello has now entered the construction phase and this morning the symbolic ceremony of laying the first cornerstone of the building was held.

The special event, brimmed with emotions, was held in the presence of City and Cantonal authorities, members of the Councils and Directorates of the two institutions, the team of designers, the media and many staff members.

The ceremony was opened by Franco Gervasoni, Head of SUPSI, followed by the speeches of Alfredo Gysi, Chairman of the Fondazione per le Facoltà di Lugano dell’USI (Foundation for the Lugano Faculties of USI); Alberto Petruzzella, Chairman of the Board of SUPSI; Boas Erez, Rector of USI; Marco Borradori, Mayor of the City of Lugano; Manuele Bertoli, Councilor of State of the Canton Ticino; and Marco Müller, Project Manager for university buildings at SERI.

On this special occasion a new fountain was also unveiled, which will be located at the entrance of the new campus and that USI and SUPSI have dedicated to knowledge, technology and life.

The 160-meter-long fence of the construction ground that runs along the Cassarate River has been transformed into a unique open-air installation, on which a dozen Swiss artists have created street art-style frescoes and paintings, representing the scientific areas that will populate the new Campus.

The building is planned to be completed by July 2020, including finishing and commissioning. In September of the same year the new Camus will welcome around 600 staff members, 1000 undergraduate and graduate students, and over 800 continuing education students.