In the vibrant heart of Milan’s Porta Nuova district, Pirelli 35, the iconic 1960s office building, is in the process of being reborn as a new landmark for the city. Commissioned by Milan-based real estate developer COIMA, the project grew out of collaboration between architecture firms Park and Snøhetta, which merged their visions into a uniquely innovative project.

Future tenants will include high-profile names such as Condé Nast, Adidas and Alpitour World, which will transform the ex-Telecom Italia headquarters into a vibrant hub for creativity.

Balancing memory and innovation

Melchiorre Bega designed the building in 1964. The redevelopment will preserve the essence of his original design while integrating the principles of adaptive reuse and contemporary workplace standards.

The project includes the addition of two new floors and removing the central wing, which will be replaced by a suspended volume linking the original structure to the new wing on Via Bordoni. Paved with an undulating carpet of stone, the interior courtyard encourages pedestrian circulation and creates a direct, seamless connection between Stazione Centrale and the Biblioteca degli Alberi library. Full-height glazing amplifies the dialogue between interior and exterior, reinforcing the sense of transparency and openness.

Materials and volumes in dialogue with context

Spread over three floors, the building is organized around a permeable first floor defined by glazed volumes that encourage accessibility and interaction with the urban surroundings. The upper levels house office spaces with an essential, elegant, and functional design. The tenth floor is home to a panoramic penthouse that provides a meeting space overlooking the city.

The new wing’s aluminum and terracotta façade echoes the scale of the surrounding residential buildings, while the original structure has been revitalized with a concrete-effect finish that underscores its monumentality and harmonizes with its setting in Porta Nuova. The result is a balance between historical character and a contemporary feel that harmonizes the project’s diverse aspects.

Focus on sustainability

The design team has paid particular attention to environmental sustainability. Reusing the existing structure has meant a significant reduction in carbon emissions, while the use of recycled and low-emission materials reflects a commitment to responsible building practices.

Comprising a photovoltaic array and a water-to-water heat pump, the energy system provides efficiency and high performance. Setting the new façade back from the original double-column structure reduces solar heat gain without compromising interior daylighting.

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