Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi (BO)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION. Following the seismic events of 2012, several buildings of the S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital in Bologna, built between the late 18th and early 20th centuries, suffered extensive structural damage. In March 2013, the Emilia-Romagna Region allocated European Funds for the safety and restoration of the damaged buildings. To access the funding, the works had to be completed by October 2013.

THE PROBLEM. Many sections of the buildings, Pavilions 28-29, presented structural issues such as unstable vaults, unsuitable wooden floors and roofs, reinforced floors needed, damaged pillars and lintels, and particularly poor seismic resistance. The entire intervention fell under the scope of the Superintendence, especially the building constructed in 1906 with an Art Nouveau facade. Furthermore, to access the funds, the project and works had to be completed within 6 months.

THE SOLUTION. An internal task force was organized within the studio, which managed to complete the project and direct the works in a very short time. Strengthening measures were implemented, including the introduction of steel tie rods, stitching of lesions, reinforcement of wooden floors and masonry vaults, replacement of deteriorated wooden roofing elements, reinforcement of retained elements, local reinforcements with steel hoops, and underpinning of foundation sections with micropiles. The Art Nouveau facade on Viale Ercolani underwent scientific restoration. Constant financial monitoring of the ongoing works was required to control and contain costs, allowing adherence to the allocated budget.