This important real estate development project, which Aareal Asset Management promoted and entrusted to Progetto CMR, resulted in two highly efficient and flexible 13,000 square meter buildings.

The approach to the project highlighted a building whose renovation is especially important because it is the first to strive to improve the quality, including architectural, of this area. The zone is the subject of various urban redevelopment proposals and is important because of the train station located there and the future Biblioteca Europea di Informazione e Cultura (BEIC) that will be built here. The goal of the project was to create an architectural complex that was capable of creating a dialogue with the surrounding areas, both existing and future, and presenting itself as an integral part of the city of Milan.
Progetto CMR chose to maintain the original structure of the buildings dating from the 1970’s and to respect the play between positive and negative space. The architects expressed their contemporary vision using solutions and materials that were new, original, contemporary, luminous and Mediterranean. Rather than a “glass box” it became a more open architectural form, a structure that is ‘permeable’ with the city rather than a building that is closed in on itself.
The luminosity of the project results from the special ventilated facade made of terracotta materials that define the positive spaces of the seven perimeters. The same material is also used in the screen that filters the natural light. The two buildings are connected at ground level by a new lobby with large windows that is practically a greenhouse with a small interior patio. This dynamic and semi-private space, designed to be waiting area and a connector to the upper floors, will open onto the public passage so people can cross over to the street parallel to via Arconati and the Biblioteca Europea. As a result, Arconati1 'offers' itself to the city, an offer accentuated by the immateriality of its walls that are made of glass and therefore totally transparent.
In detail, Building A, with a square floor plan, has seven floors that are 810 sq.m. each. Building B has a rectangular floor plan and four floors, totalling 4,140 sq.m. The areas intended for the future offices were designed to be highly adaptable and flexible and are capable of maintaining different configurations, from closed offices to open spaces to meeting rooms. Both buildings are completed by a pergola-like metallic structure that defines the volume. It completes the object-building and creates a space for congregating and socializing, highlighting the rapport between the interior and exterior spaces with a large terrace that offers an attractive panorama of the city.
For all positions, knowledge of English and the main computer programs is necessary. Knowledge of Mandarin Chinese is also taken into special consideration. We are looking for curious and determined individuals that want to work with us for a significant amount of time.

Client leader:
arch. Massimo Roj

Client representative:
Ronald Ten Bochum

Un'iniziativa
Aareal Property Services

Project management
Progetto CMR

Development
Cogei Costruzioni