A Tale of Italian Craftsmanship

Gruppo Florence, a group specializing in supporting manufacturing excellence in Italy’s fashion industry, recently moved to new corporate spaces inside a historic noble palace on Via Manzoni in the heart of Milan. Comprising both exhibition and office spaces, the project is set dramatically between the arches of the courtyard that forms the access point and hub around which the premises are arranged. The work was carried out by Milan firm 967arch, founded by Cesare Chichi and Stefano Maestri, whose design approach merges craftsmanship and innovative solutions for the commercial, industrial, residential and hospitality sectors.

The project occupies two floors, each with different functions. The first level, which introduces the Gruppo Florence brand identity, is configured for exhibitions and events, while the upper level houses administrative areas, including offices, meeting rooms, and staff facilities.

The project grew out of a vision to give concrete form to the group’s core values of craftsmanship, innovation, and the Italian manufacturing culture. To achieve this, the design team embarked upon the project from the perspective that the physical space should embody a conceptual narrative.

The first step was to locate the exhibition rooms on the first level and design them to be flexible and adaptable – rather than set in stone – so they are able to evolve to showcase constantly changing ideas. Good examples of this are the two long tables in the center of the room, designed to display fashion collections and suspended in a symbolic space in constant redefinition. Likewise, the mirrored-gold prisms distributed throughout the rooms serve as platforms for showcasing to best effect the garments on display, while also rewriting the space with each new exhibition.

A few elements are key contributors to the evocative character of the premises. These include the sculptural steel staircase at the entrance, which was custom-made to precise dimensions, and the iridescent mirrored band beneath the walkway between the two wings of the upper level.

Throughout the project, the emotional dimension prevails, including in the administrative and service areas. Although constrained by functional tables, chairs, desks, and the breakout area, these spaces are highly evocative with their theatrical lighting, quality materials, and features such as colorful poufs and swings that create a playful, childlike mood.

The challenge of visually and physically expressing the group’s identity extends to the use of materials and finishes that call to mind high-end artisanal excellence while dialoguing with the historic Milanese building. These reflect the group’s role as a bridge between innovation and Italy’s manufacturing heritage. The result is an immersive space that narrates the values of the many fashion houses that the group represents.

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A Tale of Italian Craftsmanship | © Matteo Cirenei, courtesy of 967arch

Floating in a constantly evolving and symbolic space, the two tables in the center of the exhibition area display the haute couture collections.

A Tale of Italian Craftsmanship | © Matteo Cirenei, courtesy of 967arch

Creating an engaging interplay of light, the custom stainless steel staircase and suspended walkway amplify the space. Serving as sculptural elements, they form the focal points of the entire project.

A Tale of Italian Craftsmanship | © Matteo Cirenei, courtesy of 967arch

Work areas also reflect the emotional and evocative identity of the project, with the furniture, decorative choices, and carefully modulated lighting transforming them into places with strong expressive impact.

A Tale of Italian Craftsmanship | © Matteo Cirenei, courtesy of 967arch

Acting as general contractor on this project, EXA MP worked closely with both the client and art direction team. From the stainless steel staircase to the suspended walkway, reflective ceiling, the arched ceilings in the showroom, and the restoration of the historic vaults, each element was custom-designed with precision and sensitivity to harmonize with the existing architecture. The result is a perfect balance of tradition and innovation.

A Tale of Italian Craftsmanship | © Matteo Cirenei, courtesy of 967arch

Materials such as mirrored glass, satin-finished metals, soft fabrics, and wood compose the material palette. Combined with exquisite craftsmanship, they create a visual and tactile experience in line with Gruppo Florence’s values and esthetic.

A Tale of Italian Craftsmanship | © Matteo Cirenei, courtesy of 967arch

Materials such as mirrored glass, satin-finished metals, soft fabrics, and wood compose the material palette. Combined with exquisite craftsmanship, they create a visual and tactile experience in line with Gruppo Florence’s values and esthetic.

A Tale of Italian Craftsmanship | © Matteo Cirenei, courtesy of 967arch

Opening onto a covered outdoor walkway overlooking the courtyard, the upper-floor offices reinforce the dialogue between architectural heritage and contemporary design language.

A Tale of Italian Craftsmanship | © Matteo Cirenei, courtesy of 967arch

Work areas also reflect the emotional and evocative identity of the project, with the furniture, decorative choices, and carefully modulated lighting transforming them into places with strong expressive impact.

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