The Sign, the new LEED –certified office complex, by Progetto CMR

A sustainability-oriented regeneration project in Milan: The Sign, the new LEED –certified office complex, by Progetto CMR

After the restoration of Garibaldi Complex in Milan, Progetto CMR teams up again with Beni Stabili in a new urban regeneration project that is both  environmental and human friendly

The Sign, the cutting-edge corporate complex designed by Progetto CMR for Beni Stabili, will be built in the south-east area of Milan, close to the renowned international university IULM. The project will be the result of the requalification of a former industrial site of the 50s, which will be given a totally new and innovative look, ideally in line with the local cultural and creative vivid atmosphere.

The focus of the project is the restoration of the former Vedani foundry and its reconversion into a new mixed-use complex, made by two office buildings (9 and 11 floors each) and a 3-storey manufacturing building, on a total GFA of 20,400 sqm.

The concept developed by Progetto CMR team amplifies the idea of city regeneration, combining solutions and strategies at both architectural and urban scales, with the objective of reconnecting the site with the surrounding context and of re-creating a dialogue with the neighborhood.

The architecture of the new complex visually conveys the innovative value of the project, in line with the other blocks in the area: the three buildings share a strongly contemporary façade, a series of golden stripes which alternate with glass transparencies in a vibrant and vivid sequence. A “fracture” that breaks this sequence links the three buildings together and runs through the facades, representing the distinctive “sign” of the project.

A significant portion of the project will host a large accessible green area, greatly enhancing the connection with the district and the community. A key role is played by the 4,000 sqm square that lies between the two higher buildings, which will be one of the new public squares of Milan city. The square will feature smart and high-tech elements, creating a completely new way of leaving the space and of interacting with it.

Environmental and social sustainability are therefore two focal elements of the project, designed to achieve the LEED Gold certification. Since its initial stages, the project includes solutions to improve the livability of the area and to optimize the use of natural resources: dual water systems, rainwater collection, green roofs, innovative cooling systems, strategies to improve indoor overall quality. In addition, construction works will use local materials as well as certified wood only. Local plants will be used in the gardens.

Says Massimo Roj, CEO of Progetto CMR: “The Sign translates the role I think architecture should have into reality: not to create barriers and wall, but to unify and connect different dimensions: the past with the present, the Human being with the context, the built environment with the context where it lies, applying a truly sustainable approach”.  

About Progetto CMR

Progetto CMR is one of the largest Italian integrated design practices, established in 1994 in Milan by arch. Massimo Roj, with offices in 12 cities around the world. The team, made of more than 130 international professionals, specializes in Space Planning, Interior and Building Design, Urban Planning and Industrial design.
“Less Ego More Eco”, less personal interests and more shared goals, is the practice design philosophy, as well as the title of Massimo Roj’s latest publication on sustainability, published in Italy and in China.
Amongst the most recent projects in Italy: the new HQs of UnipolSai, ING Direct, Adidas and Generali Group in Milan, a new multi-function area for Ferrari in Maranello. Abroad, the firm is involved in several urban-scale projects, all under construction: the China-EU Future City in Shenzhen, Xiantao Big Data Valley in Chongqing and an eco-sustainable village in Manjiangwan.
Since 2010, Progetto CMR is listed among the top 100 design practices worldwide.

Project information

Location: Milan

Client: Beni Stabili siiq

Project by: Progetto CMR

GFA: 20.400 mq

Buildings: 3

Floors:

– Building A: 9 above ground floors

– Building B: 11 above ground floors

– Building C: 3 above ground floors