The concept was born from the need to create additional office space and a highly flexible and spectacular venue for fashion shows, for one of the most iconic Made in Italy fashion houses, Fendi, capable of merging aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. The intervention reinterprets the industrial heritage of the Riva&Calzoni complex with a contemporary architectural language. The building interacts with the Tortona district, integrating into the creative and productive fabric of the city. The sustainable strategies adopted include the use of BIM, high-performance materials, optimization of natural light, acoustic insulation and low environmental impact systems.
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The project integrates with the urban context by reinterpreting the industrial heritage of the historic building in a contemporary key. The transparent façade opens the building to the city, creating visual permeability and encouraging interaction between interior functions and the external environment. By enhancing the building's visibility and accessibility, the project contributes to the vibrancy of the neighborhood, reinforcing its creative and cultural vocation. Through this balanced integration of heritage and innovation, the new Fendi space becomes a catalyst for urban regeneration and a distinctive presence within the evolving landscape of Via Solari.
The project was developed by integrating design solutions, materials and technologies aimed at minimizing environmental impact throughout the building's entire life cycle. Low-impact materials, natural insulation and VOC-free finishes were used, along with recycled and recyclable components to reduce the use of virgin resources and enable responsible end-of-life disposal. The choice of local suppliers helped cut emissions related to material transport, while smart systems for lighting, heating and ventilation improved energy performance, reduced CO₂ emissions and enhanced indoor comfort. For the Backstage and Pomodoro towers, a dry construction system was adopted to meet spatial flexibility and modularity needs while supporting sustainability goals.
Fendi Showroom Milan is an urban regeneration project where fashion, art and architecture come together. Located in via Solari the space, once studio and workshop of Arnaldo Pomodoro, has been transformed into a multifunctional hub for events, fashion shows, corporate activities and exhibitions.
Embedded in the basement lies the Labyrinth of Arnaldo Pomodoro, a unique work that offers a journey through art, myth and history inspired by the Epic of Gilgamesh. The project doesn't involve volumetric increase; new areas were added by utilizing available surface within the plot, in compliance with current urban planning regulations. The intervention is organized into three main areas: Backstage Tower, fashion show space and office spaces.
The project aims to restore the original void of the factory by inserting two “technical towers” on either side of the building. Every environment has been designed to ensure fluidity, efficiency, maximum visual impact. Elements such as the suspended catwalk and the pure white neutral surfaces allow the architecture to support the visual storytelling of Fendi collections.
The design combines elegance and practicality, using iconic materials, travertine marble, wood, carpets and large glass surfaces that flood the interiors with natural light. The project is also notable for its sustainable approach: BIM integration, energy consumption reduction, acoustic comfort and advanced systems make it a model of environmental responsibility and efficiency.
More than a building, it is an architectural stage where every detail enhances creativity. A mutable and iconic space that reflects Fendi’s identity while looking to the future with elegance and sustainability.
Politecnica is one of Italy's leading integrated design firms, specializing in Architecture, Engineering, and Urban Planning for over 50 years. With 46 partners and over 350 collaborators, they have completed prestigious projects in 60+ countries, driven by the vision: Building for Humans. Politecnica focuses on community and individual well-being, aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda's sustainable goals. They create infrastructure that connects communities, safe public buildings for social exchange, innovative healthcare facilities, and educational buildings that foster interaction. Engaged in over 150 projects, they support sustainable development globally. With four offices in Italy and a presence in 10 countries, Politecnica excels in managing multidisciplinary, multicultural projects, becoming a global ambassador of Italian design and engineering competence.