Milan, a city perennially poised between respect for tradition and a daring drive toward modernity, is home to the Giangiacomo Feltrinelli Foundation in its urban fabric, an architectural project that stands out for its extreme research and care in design and construction solutions. The building, located in the heart of the Lombard capital, represents a new chapter in the contemporary architectural narrative, offering a space dedicated to culture, research and dialogue. The Feltrinelli Foundation in Milan is a landmark architectural project designed by renowned architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron. Located in the heart of the city, this structure has become an architectural icon, not only for its aesthetic beauty, but also for its functionality and innovation. In this article we will focus on taking an in-depth look at the facades of the Feltrinelli Foundation, analyzing their design, materials, and visual impact.
Brought to fruition by the collaboration between Herzog & de Meuron, the internationally renowned Swiss firm, and Milan-based architectural firm Stefano Boeri Architetti, the Fondazione Feltrinelli project exudes a philosophy that embraces transparency, openness and innovation. The site, located along Viale Pasubio near the historic Porta Volta, thus becomes a hub of cultural activities and an urban landmark.
The structure blends harmoniously into the surrounding urban context, dialoguing with the city's historic fabric and dynamic contemporaneity. The design is intentional in its ability to create a bridge between the site's industrial past and the future orientation of the area, with the choice of materials and construction techniques reflecting this dual connection. Another distinctive element of the Feltrinelli Foundation facades is the creative use of perspectives and viewpoints. The facades are designed to be perceived in different ways from all angles and distances, creating a variety of visual experiences for visitors and outside observers. This dynamic approach to architectural design gives the structure a sense of vitality and movement that sets it apart from other buildings in the city.
A distinctive element of the project, the façade of the Feltrinelli Foundation was the object of special attention for the designers. Characterized by an envelope that combines transparency and visual permeability, facades play a crucial role in the relationship between interior and exterior.
The glazed facades extend the full height of the building and are punctuated by slender vertical wooden columns, a reference to the characteristic Lombardy rows that stand out against the sky of the Po Valley. This design choice not only provides a welcoming sense of warmth and naturalness but also contributes to the dialogue with the surrounding urban environment, allowing an almost uninterrupted view between the interior and exterior.
From a technical point of view, the façade consists mainly of prefabricated frames composed of a reinterpretation of traditional mullions and transoms with revised matrices to suit the design and energy requirements. Some mirrors house projecting openers with a servo-opening system based on pneumatic pistons.
Facade technology continues with the integration of internal shading systems for solar control and the use of low-emissivity glazing to help minimize unwanted heat transfer. The interaction of these components creates a protective shell that protects the building from climatic changes while maintaining a visual transparency that emphasizes the openness and accessibility of the institution.
The Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli project in Milan is an exemplar of excellence in contemporary architecture, where every detail, particularly the façade, is designed to merge form and function into a coherent and meaningful unity. The advanced technical design of the façades is not only an aesthetic expression, but is the result of extensive architectural and engineering research aimed at efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. In this way, the Foundation not only establishes itself as a place of culture and knowledge but also integrates itself into the city as a new benchmark for architectural innovation and environmental responsibility.
CUSTOMER
CMB
LOCALITY.
Milan
Italy
DESCRIPTION
Continuous facade
Unitized facade
9,502 sq. m.
DESIGNER
Herzog & De Meuron
YEAR
2018