The project arises from the need to create new commercial and office spaces in a residential building from the 1950s built on the remains of Palazzo Pertusati, designed by the architect Simone Cantoni which was destroyed by bombing during the Second World War.
The main entrance of the building was originally facing Via Senato, where there is a lush garden even today that overlooked the former Naviglio canal, that was covered later on. The garden represents the head of a complex of green spaces that extend into the green pathway designed by Piermarini, reaching up to Villa Reale and the gardens of Porta Venezia.
The project reorganizes internal circulation by creating two new vertical distribution cores. These cores have been moved back towards Via Senato that aligns to the original position of the existing staircases, to enhance commercial spaces facing Via della Spiga and to establish a large central courtyard surrounded by offices and shops.
The ground floor, originally elevated above street level, has been completely lowered to align with the city's elevation. This was done as part of the project's design to enable commercial spaces to directly front Via della Spiga.
The internal facade is made up of large glass sections alternating with solid structural elements covered in custom-made glazed terracotta. The projecting sills extend one meter outward to manage shadows and optimize the building's energy impact. The design aims to achieve the best performance in passive and active energy efficiency.
The roof has been completely cleared of the technical volumes that occupied it, and the volumetric reorganization of the building has allowed for the creation of a new floor, complemented by over 500 square meters of terraces seamlessly integrated on a same level with the internal spaces.
The historic garden has been preserved and enhanced through the planting of new species that moderate the presence of Via Senato, recreating within it, a diverse and private garden that manages the transition from the city to the workspaces.
In summary, the project Towards Via della Spiga is achieved through the addition of new levels, an updated proportions for openings in the facade and the enhancement of commercial spaces. Thereby, it seeks to reintegrate the building into the urban context by preserving the classical character of the existing structure.
