Site Tour: Transformation Tour
Tue 11 Jun
2:00 PM — 5:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna
Projects include: Torre Velasca, Corso Italia, Santa Sofia
Torre Velasca
Built in 292 days, between 1956 and 1958, designed by Studio BBPR (Banfi, Belgioioso, Peressutti and Rogers), Torre Velasca represents a unique heritage in the international cultural and urban design context, bound as a monument by the Superintendence of Fine Arts in 2011.
Since 2020, Torre Velasca has been undergoing restoration and conservative renovation by Hines, as investor and developer, and Asti Architetti firm in synergy with Superintendence, with completion scheduled for summer 2024. The building covers an area of 34,000 square meters on 29 floors, two of which are underground, with mixed-use destinations including retail, offices and apartments, the latter positioned in the projecting part marked by the famous "suspenders." The major regeneration project will also extend to the surrounding urban context through a new design of the square, which will be characterized by green and social areas in order to give back to Milan a public space that represents a new destination for its citizens.
To date, the retail venues are partly leased to Sunset Hospitality, which will open two restaurants on the first and 18th floors, including SUSHISAMBA, while the 72 serviced apartments, between the 19th and 26th, will be managed by Sircle Collection, a leading international hôtellerie group. In addition, Sircle will develop its members club "The Cover" on the 17th floor, which will complement the wellness services of the 1,000-plus-square-meter spa in the basement and a coffee bar open to the public on the ground floor.
Santa Sofia
The project has transformed the 1960s office building into a five-star, LEED Gold-certified hotel with strong sustainability credentials – including CRREM compliance and use of photovoltaic panels – while maintaining its highly-regarded architecture and façade.
Located in Via Santa Sofia 37, this landmark hotel has been developed as a high-quality, sophisticated asset which can act as a focal point for the local community in one of Milan’s prime markets. The vision was to set a benchmark in contemporary design, and, through selecting an operator which could fully develop the concept of a lifestyle hotel, deliver a building that enhances the area and caters for both business and leisure audiences.
With 159 rooms and high-quality amenities – including two restaurants, three bars and two terraces, one of which has a swimming pool - it offers 1,200sqm of vibrant social space for guests. Emphasis has been put on elegant and inspirational design throughout the building and a real ‘sense of arrival’ for guests, with the green palette of internal areas acting, for instance, as a tribute to old Milanese trams and taxis. The hotel also contributes to the renaissance of its surroundings.
Corso Italia
The project to redevelop Corso Italia 23, the architectural complex designed in 1958 by Gio Ponti, Piero Portaluppi and Antonio Fornaroli, was launched in 2019. Corso Italia 23 represents a unique development opportunity in Milan while also standing out for its design. The redeveloped asset? features a custom-made facade inspired by the original idea of lightness.
Alongside this, the original mega-frame that gives character to the façade on via Santa Sofia has been preserved. It features new standards of technology and sustainability, overcoming existing architectural barriers and optimizing energy saving through solar panels and new upcycled materials for the facades, leading to a considerable reduction in heat loss.
The asset? offers approx. 33,000 sqm of office space across three buildings. The different amenities and common areas, above all the inner courtyard, introduce new spaces for socializing around the workplace. This process of regeneration and definition of identity is redressing the work-life balance through the creation of ‘interconnected‘ areas, with horizontal and vertical paths engaging all available space.
This was the starting point for architects SOM, bringing the spirit of the original project up to date without betraying it while making an effort to stay true to the dominant trait of the building’s DNA: innovation. The project gives back Milan and the neighborhood a timeless complex, where the strength of the concept, the reinterpretation of heritage and the integration of sustainability are designed to outlast trends and changes in the urban fabric.
Open to all attendees – pre-registration required.
Limited capacity – places allocated on first come first served basis so early booking recommended.