Pirelli 39 Complex proposes a cultural, historic and sustainable Milan

The collaborative team of Diller scofidio + renfro (DS+R) and Stefano Boeri Architetti (SBA) has been chosen to regenerate a site in the heart of Milan's Porta Nuova Gioia district. According to Designboom , the project has been named Pirelli 39 and involves the renovation of the existing 'Pirellino' office tower on the site and the construction of a new residential skyscraper that will include 1.7 thousand square meters of integrated greenery. Finally, a bridge connecting the two structures will serve as an events hub , shows and exhibitions. This bridge will also house a biodiversity greenhouse that will offer immersive educational experiences as a laboratory. The DS+R and SBA design is the winning proposal of an international competition launched by the investment and development company COIMA in 2019. A total of 70 groups comprising 359 companies from 15 countries participated in the competition. The winning proposal was praised by the jury by focusing on environmental impact, the continuity of the urban transformation of the area and the relationship between nature and the city.

As part of the plans, the existing tower on the site will be renovated and adapted to meet current office space standards in terms of innovation and sustainability, while maintaining the character of the original building. The transparent bridge will also house a biodiversity greenhouse that will serve as a an extension of the biblioteca degli alberi - Milan's 'tree library'. The new residential tower will be covered in vegetation. This green roof is expected to absorb 14 tons of CO2 and produce 9 tons of oxygen per year – comparable to a 10,000 square meter forest. In addition, thanks to 2,770 m² of photovoltaic panels, the tower will be able to produce 65% of its energy needs, while the use of structural timber will reduce its carbon footprint “Our studio is thrilled to have this opportunity to make a significant architectural contribution to the city of Milan, our first project in Italy,” Elizabeth Diller, partner at Diller Scofidio + renfro, told Designboom . “As much of our work revolves around Focused on the future of cities, the Pirelli 39 project presents a major opportunity to create a new model of mixed-use development and sustainable urban growth. The project combines the adaptive reuse of historic buildings with environmentally responsible new construction and a vibrant cultural destination 'living' dedicated to the art and science of plants.” “This project will reinvigorate the iconic old Pirellino building, creating a new tower that blends architecture and nature to create a green space that is open to the entire city,” adds Stefano Boeri, founder of Stefano Boeri Architetti. “In such a difficult period , this project relaunches the vision of a Milan that is forward-looking and courageously faces the great challenges of the climate crisis.”