Universities, student housings and cities: a network for innovation and development

The contribution aims to analyze, through a historical excursus, the close relationship between the development of universities, student housing and cities. This relationship is built on synergies, continuous transformations and modifications in response to social, cultural, economic and environmental changes. Even today, the bond between cities, universities and colleges remains essential and constantly evolving. Considering these premises, the contribution examines the University of Pavia and the city as a university campus, with colleges playing an active role, as an emblematic case study. This process follows a complex history but continues to shape transformation and renewal policies while respecting the historical memory of both the university and the city. Finally, a critical reading of this process is considered an opportunity to identify new policies for innovation and updating in response to changing needs, as well as to improve performance not only in compliance with regulatory guidelines but also with the belief that college structures play an active role in addressing contemporary issues.