What is it like to walk through a city where the future is being built on every corner? Amid historic facades, modern skyscrapers and innovative neighborhoods, Real Estate Management students spent three days in April 2026 experiencing one of Europe’s most dynamic cities: Milan. Because that hands-on experience was precisely the goal of this field trip: out of the lecture hall and into the real world.
From Bosco Verticale to CityLife: A Field Trip to Milan
Milan is not only a fashion and design capital but also the undisputed hub of the Italian real estate market. Approximately 1.4 million people live in the city (region: approx. 3 million); around 10 million tourists visit Milan annually, and some 180,000 students add to the city’s vibrancy. Its significance is particularly evident in the investment market: in 2025, around 13.5 billion euros were invested throughout Italy—3.4 billion euros of that in Milan alone, while Rome lagged significantly behind with about 1.3 billion euros.
At the same time, exciting market shifts are emerging — such as the decline of traditional office real estate in favor of residential, logistics and hotel properties. This is why Milan was the perfect choice for this year’s field trip, as the example of Italy’s second-largest city allows students to see firsthand how markets are changing and what factors are driving these developments.
Market Insights: A Visit to CBRE
The first stop on the itinerary took the students to CBRE, one of the world’s leading real estate service providers. There, they gained in-depth insights into the Italian real estate market — from the investment and rental markets to current challenges. It quickly became clear on site just how complex real estate markets actually are: Milan occupies a special position within Italy and is the country’s most important investment location.
Experiencing Urban Development: Porta Nuova and Bosco Verticale
A particular highlight was the excursion to the Porta Nuova district. Together with representatives from COIMA and RICS Italy, the students explored one of Europe’s most modern urban development areas.
A key focus was the “Bosco Verticale”—an internationally renowned example of sustainable architecture and ecological concepts in urban spaces. Particularly interesting was the visit to the penthouse of the green skyscrapers: the 450-square-meter living space with a phenomenal view of the city is currently listed at around 10 million Euros.
CityLife: Visionary Urban Development on a Former Trade Fair Grounds
On the second day, CityLife, another key project, was on the agenda. The district is considered one of the largest urban development projects in Europe and combines living, working and leisure in an innovative way.
The students gained insights into the transformation of a former exhibition ground, architectural concepts by international star architects and the sustainable and multifunctional use of urban spaces. Experts from Generali Real Estate and RICS Italy led this tour.
International Perspectives: Exchange with the Politecnico di Milano
Another key component of the field trip was a visit to the partner university, the Politecnico di Milano. There, the students met with Italian students and discussed the differences between international real estate markets.
The City as a Learning Space: Architectural Tour of Italy’s Second-Largest City
On the third day, the students explored other relevant urban development areas as part of an architectural tour, including the Bocconi Campus, South of Porta Romana, and the Tortona-Savona district. This diversity of projects demonstrated how differently urban development is interpreted and implemented in Milan.
The impressions gained on site are also reflected in the participants’ feedback:
“My most important takeaway: You can only truly understand real estate when you experience it firsthand,” says student Anastasia Bannert, summarizing the three days in Italy. Roberto Calamandrei of RICS Italy was also very enthusiastic about the Austrians’ visit to his university, the Politecnico di Milano: “The exchange with international students has significantly broadened my perspective on the Real Estate market.”
Learning Across Borders
The field trip to Milan demonstrates how important international experience is for aspiring real estate professionals. By combining theory, practice and intercultural exchange, students gain a deep understanding of markets, developments and trends.
Once a year, the Real Estate Management Study Programs organize a field trip to a European city, putting into practice the FHWien der WKW’s approach of “Studying real business.” After all, real estate management doesn’t end in the lecture hall—it begins where cities are changing.
Special thanks go to our sponsors DMV, ÖRAG Immobilien, CBRE Austria, IMMO United and Leadersnet, who made this excursion possible.
>> More information about the Real Estate Management Study Programs