Halls
21-22-25-26-31-32
These form the nucleus of the Bologna Exhibition Centre.
The ten halls built by Leonardo Benevolo, Tommaso Giuralongo and Carlo Melograni between 1964 and 1965 all share an unmistakeable characteristic: the large metal girders that mark their path. Thanks to their design, the halls are perfect exhibition sites.
Their single-level structure and large perimeter doors give exhibitors easy access for all set-up procedures.
All of the halls are air conditioned and provide light, water, telephone service, compressed and exhaust air thanks to a system of transverse ducts.
The Benevolo Halls can also be joined in various ways to satisfy the needs of each exhibition with regard to visibility and space. Benevolo Halls 21-24 have recently been restyled to create a new exhibition space: two large halls, completely modernised in terms of architecture and technology.
33-34
These "independent" halls (accessible directly from viale Aldo Moro), designed by Kenzo Tange in 1972, are inserted in the urban context of the Exhibition Centre.
These enormous halls have a total surface area of 20,000 m2 and contain escalators and lifts.
Completely air conditioned, Halls 33-34 offer a wide range of additional services, including a conference room and business offices in a recently renovated area. In addition, the mezzanine has another area available for exhibitions.
With regard to extra-exhibition services, Hall 33 has a pizzeria and two snack bars, while Hall 34 has snack bars and restrooms. Both halls are connected to the Free-flow Restaurant.
All plants and systems (light, water, exhaust, telephone, compressed air) can be supplied throughout the structure.
35
Completely renovated in 1985, this hall has 10,000 m2 of exhibition space.
The hall is air conditioned, and all plants and systems can be supplied.
Hall 35 has two snack bars and restrooms, and can have a direct entrance.
36
This hall has been called "the giant" ever since it was built in 1991: 13,000 m2 on a single floor and 8 metres high (reaching 24 metres at its centre). Just like Halls 33-34, it is completely independent thanks to an entrance on via Michelino, and has a large, multi-purpose space with many areas assigned to offices, conferences, and services.
Like the other halls, it has independent plants and systems thanks to transverse ducts, and an air conditioning system for use throughout the year.
It contains two cafeterias and restrooms.
Solar energy panels have recently been installed on the roof, generating about 23,000 kWh (40% of the management building's annual electrical needs) and reducing CO2 emissions by about 16 tonnes per year.
16-18
Hall 16-18 is one of the key elements of BolognaFiere's ambitious expansion programme.
This 2-level hall, located in the northern part of the Centre, has an independent entrance for the public and a helipad on its roof.
Access is very easy, thanks to connection to the large Michelino car park and to the BolognaFiere railway station.
On the architectural level, the design seamlessly merges the new structure with the existing complex, creating a perfect link between past and future.
Hall 16 is air conditioned, and systems for supplies to stands are located in an
underground network. The floor has a load bearing capacity of 2000 kg/m2; door height is 4.5 metres; span between pillars is 24x24 metres.
Hall 18 is a very large space with no intermediate pillars.
Access for set-ups is provided by three freight lifts; visitors access the hall via 6 escalators and 8 lifts.
The main lift has glass walls to help visitors get their bearings.
14-15
These halls, located in the northwest part of the Centre, give it the dimensions of an average exhibition centre (over 60,000 square metres).
They are connected to Halls 19-20 and 16-18 to form a single, large exhibition space.
This connection allows use of the spaces and services already offered in Halls 16-18: catering and multi-purpose area for offices and/or conferences.
19-20
Built in 1998, these halls symbolize the technological evolution of the entire Exhibition Centre. Their 2-level structure contains everything needed to host any kind of event, from trade exhibitions to conferences, as well as exhibits and performances.
With exceptionally large exhibition spaces, they are also characterised by imposing architectural and structural elements. For example, Hall 20 has an 800 m2 scenographic wall made of translucent material.
Linked by two mezzanines at the ends of the structures (with bars and cafeterias), these halls provide visitors all basic services.
Hall 20 offers an exhibition space of 64x18 metres, free of structural obstructions.
29-30
These halls are another celebrated portion of the Centre, having been built in the 1970s. Thanks to their arrangement, the structure provides ample exhibition space, with total area of 16,500 sqm.
The halls are air conditioned, and shafts supply services (light, water, telephone, compressed air, and exhaust) to every point.
Hall 29 is connected directly to an a la carte restaurant and to two self-service restaurants. Hall 30 has a bar, and the canopied section has a pizzeria and a cafeteria.