ADA University – Faculty of Architecture & Design with Politecnico di Milano
Architectural metalwork and urban furniture for the new Faculty of Architecture & Design, in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano
The ADA University campus in Baku has undergone a significant transformation with the addition of the new Faculty of Architecture & Design. Developed in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano (Italy), this expansion reflects the institution’s ambition to combine education with a carefully planned physical environment that supports both academic and social life. IDEA was entrusted with the manufacturing and installation of a comprehensive range of architectural structures and urban furniture, creating an outdoor setting that is both durable and functional.
Large-scale architectural structures
The centerpiece of the project is the “Poem House” structure, designed as a symbolic and functional gathering space for students and visitors. Alongside it, IDEA produced a custom “Trellis” pergola and twelve “La-Defense Slim” pergolas, which provide shade and define circulation areas across the campus. A set of pedestrian bridges and tall flagpoles complement these elements, reinforcing the scale and identity of the new faculty’s outdoor environment.
Custom seating and wooden platforms
Seating solutions played a central role in shaping student interaction spaces. IDEA manufactured multiple types of benches, including the “Dafne,” “Plain,” “Riva,” and “Olympic” models, as well as more experimental forms such as the “Bellevue” parametric bench and the “Julienne” curved benches with backrests. In addition, a system of custom wooden benches integrated into concrete platforms was designed for durability, including circular versions and a special bench surrounding a tree. To expand usability of open spaces, large-scale wooden platforms were also introduced, offering students informal areas for study, rest, and events.
Furniture and site amenities
In parallel with the large and medium-scale structures, the campus was equipped with essential urban furniture. IDEA supplied “Viva Double” picnic tables for outdoor dining and group work, “Occhio” litter bins for waste management, “Edge” drinking fountains for public use, and “Deep” bike racks to encourage sustainable mobility. A series of “Collezione” wooden pergolas further enriched the variety of shaded areas, giving the campus a coherent set of solutions tailored to its daily rhythm.
Materials and durability
All metal elements in the project were manufactured from galvanized steel and finished with powder coating, providing resistance against corrosion and ensuring long-term use with minimal maintenance. Wooden elements were fabricated from glue-laminated timber and treated with impregnation, making them suitable for continuous outdoor exposure while maintaining a natural aesthetic. This combination of materials and treatments was chosen to guarantee durability in Baku’s climate, while also offering a visually consistent appearance across all elements.
Creating a unified campus environment
What makes the ADA University project notable is the balance between architectural expression and everyday functionality. Rather than focusing on isolated elements, IDEA delivered a full system of coordinated structures and furniture that respond to the complex needs of an academic environment. The result is a public space that is welcoming, resilient, and adaptable — supporting education, collaboration, and community.
This project demonstrates how architectural metalwork and urban furniture can go beyond solving technical challenges to actively shape the identity of a university campus. By aligning material durability, design variety, and user comfort, IDEA contributed to the creation of a long-lasting environment for the new generation of architects and designers.
