In Autumn 2002, 13,000 attendants celebrated the opening of the renovated seat of the EURAC, previously known as the ex-GIL complex. Originally designed by a team of three architects from Padua, the impressive facility was constructed under the fascist government between 1934 and 1936 in order to house the female fascist youth organization, GIL (Gioventù Italiana del Littorio).

Opening party 13th Sept. 2002

After Mussolini's fall from power and the Second World War, the building came to be known as the ex-GIL.  Over the years it served many functions, from a supermarket to an adult cinema, but it remained a stone monument of the fascist era that no one wanted to touch, and thus fell into disrepair. Mere coincidence is all that prevented it from being torn down.  Only in the early 1990s, after numerous failed restoration attempts, was it decided to convert the ex-GIL building into the European Academy of Bolzano (for further information, see the publication).

In 1995, an international architectural competition was held for the redesign of the EURAC facility. 56 projects in all were submitted.  The jury decided unanimously for the proposal of Austrian architect Klaus Kada, which involved building upon the historically protected structure with glass, concrete and steel. 
South Tyrolean artist Manfred Alois Mayr was responsible for the colour concept of the building's interior, coordinating every decision right down to the furniture. The play of colors in the new, transparent buildings is enhanced by the intense pompeiian red reflections of the exterior.

The result of the renovation is a complex over 1,300 square meters in size.  The original facades were preserved using sophisticated techniques, while the new additions captivate the eye with their transparency.  The building's original pompeiian red exterior has been preserved, making the complex unmistakable, even from a great distance.  (photo gallery)

The new seat of the EURAC also employs a unique, cleverly devised energy system, which makes as much use of renewable energy as possible.  During the summer, for example, air conditioning is fueled by solar power.

The complex is divided into five discrete units:  The east building, the auditorium, the central building, the library and the courtyard building.  These facilities are home to the EURAC's five research departments, the permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention as well as the EURAC Convention Center, an innovative conference facility in the heart of Bolzano.

Overview of important data
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