Text description provided by the architects. A renovation and expansion project that increases the building’s efficiency while respecting the original architecture of its designers. Designed in the 1950s by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and Luigi Fratino, the 12-story Torre do Permanente was an addition to the building of the same name, designed and built in 1886 by Luca Beltrami, on Via Filippo Turati, in Milan. . Currently home to the Museo della Permanente, the complex is located in a strategic area on a road that connects the city center to the Central Station.
Guided by a meticulous historical and philological analysisthe project for the requalification, conservation and expansion of the Park Associati tower arises both from a consideration of the context, strongly characterized by contemporary architecture, and from respect for the identity and architectural value of the original building. The project establishes a balanced interaction with the original designa beautiful example of Milanese modernism, while increasing the efficiency of the building, which maintains its original use, covering around 3,500 square meters of offices. The elimination of any superfluous additions and the adaptation of the building to the current plant engineering and cladding performance requirements aim to minimize, whenever possible, the impact of interventions and integrate any new ad hoc elements into the original design.
The expansion envisages the construction of two additional floors with a glazed facade that recalls the Milanese tradition of post-war towers, generating a volume that completes the building. The construction lines of the original elevation are revisited, but interpreted in a contemporary tone, using a different material approach. The existing building features bush-hammered concrete and clinker cladding, while the new volume is characterized by the use of anodized aluminum and brick cladding with recessed and protruding rows, which create a new rhythm on the facade.
The intervention in facade highlights the formal cleanliness of the vertical, straight and parallel lines, highlighting its compositional rigor. The frames are recessed, resulting in more pronounced shadow lines that give greater dynamism to the facade. The tan sheet metal exterior cladding echoes the finish and color tones of the additional flooring. The top of the window frame houses a lighting system composed of an opal LED diffuser that, at night, highlights the rhythmic segmentation of the main elevation. The elevator shaft and balconies on the tower’s internal facade are covered in bronze-colored microperforated stretched sheet metal, which echoes the colors and finishes of the added flooring and window openings.
The tower is entered through an open-air atrium on Via Turati, adjacent to the Museum entrance. THE hall remodeling, also of great architectural value, it highlights the original details through the removal of superfluous additions built after the 1950s project. The mosaic decoration of the floor stands out, as well as the grooves that incorporate a light source pointed towards it. . The finishes and coverings of the new elevator landing are in line with the pre-existing building. The work environments created by the project in internal spaces they are flexible and efficient open space areas that can be customized by future tenants. Thanks to the large glazed surfaces, these functional and elegant office spaces enjoy excellent natural lighting and are highlighted by a spectacular view over the city: on one side the contemporary architecture of Porta Nuova, on the other the dense historical fabric of old Milan.
The voice of the customer – “The Torre della Permanente is not only a symbol of innovation and regeneration, but also a concrete example of how we can reconcile history with the future. This operation aligns perfectly with our philosophy, which aims to preserve the cultural heritage of places around While transforming it to respond to new social and urban needs, we found the ideal partner in Park Associati, with whom we share the vision of a renovation that respects and enhances the historic characteristics of the building, interpreting them in a modern and innovative way.” – Flavio Petraglio, CEO of Grupo Artisa.
The architect’s voice – “Intervening in Milan’s modernist design buildings is always a privilege. Recovery and renewal have always been central themes for Park Associati. These processes imply the ability to take a “step back” from the project, so as not to distort the original vision. In the case of the Torre della Permanente, we sought to maintain and enhance the formal, stripped-down style of the building’s lines, emphasizing its compositional rigor. The intervention is a renewed challenge to interact with the most significant Milanese and Italian architectures of the 20th century, ensuring that they remain central to the contemporary urban fabric, with the awareness that the most sustainable building is the one that already exists.” _Filippo Pagliani, Founding Partner Park Associati
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