On October 18th, the unveiling of ESCP Business School’s new Campus in Turin marked not just the opening of a state-of-the-art academic facility but the celebration of a 20-year bond between the School and this storied city. This occasion is not merely a milestone; it’s a symbol of the deepening connection between a global institution and Turin”a city known for its elegance, industry, and cultural allure.
The Campus’s unique architecture, a marriage of 19th-century grandeur with modern ingenuity, speaks to the vision of both the School and the city: to honour tradition while boldly embracing the future.
Turin and ESCP: Cultivating Growth, Innovation, and Opportunity
Turin, with its juxtaposition of historic charm and vibrant modernity, provides an ideal setting for ESCP’s evolving journey. Known for its Baroque architecture and its pivotal role in Italy’s industrial growth, Turin is a city capable of reinventing itself while maintaining its roots firmly grasped on its heritage.
The new Campus at Via Andrea Doria occupies a historic neoclassical building reimagined and transformed with cutting-edge facilities, creating a bold visual statement about the balance of tradition and progress. As Alberta Di Giuli, Director of the ESCP Business School Turin Campus, states, « The new ESCP campus in Turin exemplifies how architecture can integrate with the local area, becoming a reference point for development. It is not just a place of learning but a catalyst for research, innovation, and growth for the entire community. »
Architect Isabelle Toussaint, who contributed to the campus design, captures this philosophy: « Historic urban fabrics can accommodate new functions through careful integration, balancing preservation and transformation. » It is precisely this kind of integration that has crafted, in Turin, a bridge between past, present, and future, inviting all who enter to explore and be inspired.
This new Campus welcomes over 1,000 students and faculty from around the globe, thereby strengthening the connection between the business school and the capital of Piedmont, Italy. However, this project is far more than architectural; it’s an investment in the city’s future and ESCP’s legacy. Mayor Stefano Lo Russo echoed this sentiment at the inauguration, emphasizing how the Campus elevates Turin as a hub for education and innovation. « For Turin, ESCP’s presence strengthens our role as a centre for both cultural richness and industrial advancement. The opportunities this partnership brings are integral to our vision for a more dynamic, international city, » he remarked.
Stepping Inside: An Immersive Experience at the New Campus
As Attilio Giaquinto, one of the project’s architects, states, the new Turin Campus is « a strategic tool to promote innovation and collaboration, » reflecting ESCP’s belief in spaces that adapt to the diverse needs of modern education. In fact, the entire layout emphasizes versatility and engagement, underscoring the School’s commitment to offering students more than just a place to simply « stay in. » It provides a safe and stimulating environment that actively nurtures and encourages their journey of discovery, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Wandering through the 8,000-square-meter facility, one quickly senses the vibrant interplay between history and innovation. The Agora, a striking glass-covered plaza at the heart of the Campus, invites students and the public alike into its welcoming embrace. This inspiring space cultivates connections among students, faculty, and community members, embodying ESCP’s vision of education as a public good”open, accessible, and intricately linked to the city beyond its walls.
As we explore further, pathways lead us to amphitheatre-style classrooms, flexible learning areas, and serene study zones. Each transition reveals an environment thoughtfully designed to encourage collaboration, spark engaging discussions, and enhance focus, reflecting the dynamic spirit of learning that permeates the air. The Learning Centre extends this ethos by offering soundproof booths, collaborative tables, and a library designed to nurture a holistic learning experience.
ESCP and Turin: A City of Infinite Opportunities for Students
For international students, including Turin in their academic plan is much more than just an educational experience; it’s an immersion into a city of industrial heritage and cultural richness. Turin’s legacy in the automotive and design industries and its role as a cultural centre offer students a robust foundation for learning and networking. ESCP’s Career Service extends this reach, connecting students to local and international businesses and helping them secure internships and valuable industry exposure.
In this context, the Blue Factory, the business incubator of ESCP Business School, fosters interaction with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting the creation and development of new initiatives and start-ups, and contributing to a positive impact on the community.
The Campus’s business incubator creates further opportunities by fostering relationships between students and the region’s growing start-up ecosystem. Through practical projects, internships, and entrepreneurial ventures, students gain hands-on experience that bridges academic knowledge with real-world application, enabling them to develop the skills necessary to thrive in their future careers. As an international student shared, « Turin feels like the perfect blend”small enough to feel welcoming, but rich enough in opportunities to fuel your ambitions. »
The Future Beckons: A Shared Vision for ESCP and Turin
At ESCP, the discourse about the future begins with the choices we make every day. The new Turin Campus concretely embodies the School’s core values and its commitment to creating a positive, lasting impact through real-world practices. Sustainable growth is one such manifestation, represented by the integration of solar panels, recycled materials, and a state-of-the-art energy management system. By doing so, ESCP is setting new standards in environmental responsibility, making the Campus not just a place of learning but a living example of sustainable, forward-looking design, benefiting a community that extends far beyond its doors.
As ESCP looks to the future, the Turin Campus serves as both a beacon and a bridge”a place where students from all over the world come to learn, contribute, and grow. It’s a space where the School’s European values of collaboration, diversity, and innovation intersect with Turin’s legacy of resilience and reinvention. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to shaping a world where education prepares students for their careers and empowers them to become global citizens who make meaningful contributions to society.
For those who choose to study here, Turin offers a compelling, globally connected education in a city that lives and breathes its history while constantly moving forward. This new Campus is more than an academic institution; it celebrates what is possible when tradition and progress come together. It is a testament to the enriching power of partnership between a city and its School.
Would you like to fully experience Turin and two other major European cities during your studies at ESCP Business School? Contact us and find out more about the Bachelor in Management (BSc).
