CityWave

ORIGINAL BRIEF — An international competition by Generali Real Estate initially called for two towers.

BIG'S PROPOSAL — Instead, BIG proposed a new typology for the city: a continuous canopy structure that unifies two buildings, divided by a shaded pedestrian plaza at the centre.

SITE — The site of the competition is comprised of two distinct plots facing each other. The Domodossola axis separates and restricts the buildable area for both plots at the street level, while below ground, the tunnel for the Line 5 metro demarcates the two plots.

PROGRAM — CityLife Milan includes offices, a podium with shared amenities, and panoramic terraces with a bar and restaurant. We propose splitting the main components of the program into two plots, allocating most of the area in the larger plot. In doing so, we ensure the most efficient vertical circulation, while maximizing amenities on the ground plane. Both plots are activated at their base, with amenities spilling onto the public space at the centre of the axis.

COURTYARD — Introducing courtyards brings generous daylight and natural ventilation into the buildings and allows for astonishing views over the private gardens. With a depth of 18 m, the office floorplates are extremely efficient and allow for a flexible internal layout.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE AXIS — To unify the two irregularly shaped plots, we generate two simple curves formed by circles on each side: one created by the end of the axis and the other by Piazza Tre Torri, the epicentre of the site. The geometry of the roof is generated as a wedge of a sphere, resulting in a massing that reads as a single gesture. The profile of the roof emphasizes the axis by lifting up the edges and lowering towards the centre. With this move, we unite the two buildings into a single form. The two buildings reach 105 m and 53 m, respectively, at their highest points.

RELATIONSHIP TO SUNLIGHT — The resulting building mass optimizes the orientation for each program. The widest facade of the office faces north, ensuring energy efficiency and year-round thermal comfort. The courtyard acts as a filter, softening the light that reaches the south facade.

TERRACES — A portion of the one tower's closed courtyard is removed to create an outdoor terrace, while a portion of the other tower's courtyard is added back to the massing to enclose the atrium. This creates extraordinary office terraces that visually connect all the amenities, the other building, the three towers, and the entire CityLife park.

THE GIFT — We propose connecting the two buildings in the non-buildable area with a canopy, joining the two separate buildings into a unified solution. The result forms a generous and spacious public realm for locals and visitors to enjoy the outdoors for more than nine months of the year.

PORTICO — CityLife Milan is conceived as one entity formed by three parts: the two buildings and the covered public realm, all unified by a colonnade. This represents and pays homage to the classic typology of the portico as an element that connects, gives shade, and protects, echoing the historic grand monasteries or abbeys of Italy. At the central axis, removing the existing concrete ramps and relocating the taxi drop-off stations allows a new park entrance to form at the heart of the public realm.