The CAR College began its activity in September 2007 with the goal to provide a new residential facility and an exciting environment for personal and professional growth for the increasing number of the students enrolled at the Centre for Post-Graduate Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (ROSE School – IUSS), as well as giving hospitality to the lecturers and scholars from all over the world. The College, dedicated uniquely to postgraduate training activities of a distinguished nature oriented at civil protection issues, in particular at Earthquake Engineering, Seismology and Risk and Emergency Management, continues the tradition of the historical colleges of Pavia, like the Almo Collegio Borromeo and the Collegio Ghislieri, whilst providing an innovative environment with the goal of establishing Pavia as an international point of reference in the field of research and training in Earthquake Engineering. Founding of the College has been supported by funding from the Italian Civil Protection Department and by the Curia Vescovile of Pavia that offered the 17th century building (a former university college) and the connected church of St. Giacomo and Filippo.
The renovation works of the new building which constitutes the new parte of the CAR College started in 2010. This building is owned by the Nascimbene Foundation but it was granted to the Eucentre for 30 years, for free use, with the condition that it would be completed renovated. These works were concluded in April 2012 and now the new section “Luigi Nascimbene” of the CAR college is born, in addition to the existing one. The CAR College offers new opportunities for advanced training, based on scientific excellence, complete integration between research and training and continuous interaction between students and faculties from a variety of cultures. The CAR College is located in the historical centre of Pavia, in Via Luigi Porta – where the Roman towers Belcredi, S. Dalmazio and the Mostiola convent can still be found – the city’s historical-architectonical context with its brick buildings, rock street pavements and roof tiles, give a sense of ancient times. It features 55 apartments, each one equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom and air conditioning, with a total of 73 beds. Creating apartments with these characteristics has to do with the fact thatmany post-graduate students and professors involved in earthquake engineering training and research activities come to Pavia with their families, and have the need to find a structure that allows them work in the city, while at the same time having a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The CAR College inner spaces have been carefully furnished, keeping a coherent style with the building’s historical importance but taking into account the modern and practical characteristics that are required for a productive working environment.
The CAR College structure features:
- 55 Small apartments
- 73 Beds
- 36 Kitchens
- Rector’s offices and secretariat
- Fitness room
- Meeting rooms
- Reading/music rooms
- 1 Computer room
- 2 Laundry rooms
- 1 Auditorium with 100 seats
Since its inauguration, the College has hosted hundreds of guests from different parts of the world.