The project involves the redevelopment of a 6,500-square-meter office building in the Bicocca district of Milan, aiming for LEED Gold certification. Originally the headquarters of Breda Siderurgica, the building will undergo both interior and exterior renovation while preserving its iron framework. Bicocca, known for its industrial heritage, is now a university and cultural hub, home to the University of Milano Bicocca and the Hangar Bicocca. The project highlights the previously concealed metal structure, exposing it to showcase its efficiency. The reinforced concrete base will also be left visible to emphasize the concept of "unfinished."
A key decision was to convert the basement into a ground floor, creating a double-height reception area and additional workspaces, increasing the usable area by 1,600 square meters. The entrance, situated midway along the long side, leads to a double-height reception featuring a birch tree and mirrored elevators. The upper floors provide 1,600 square meters of workspaces each, with a walkable roof that will be transformed into a green area with gardens. The inner courtyard has been revitalized with new green spaces and pedestrian and cycling paths.
The façade has been updated with a curtain wall supported by a metal substructure. For the first time, a recyclable transparent rubber exterior finish is used, reflecting the district's industrial past. The primary materials are iron and rubber, paying homage to the histories of Breda and Pirelli. Inside, the floors are distinguished by subtle color schemes: green for the ground floor, yellow for the first floor, and coral for the second floor. Color is added at the final design stage, providing a contrast to the existing structure.
The project draws inspiration from the French/Swiss school of architecture, focusing on the composition of assembled elements in three dimensions, efficiently utilizing materials, and creating spatial tensions.
