Overlooking Olive Trees

Every place is marked by the passage of time, with some seemingly awaiting for the right moment to be reborn and take on new meaning. In Bari, an early 20^th-century industrial building and former auto showroom has gained a new purpose as the headquarters of digital consulting firm NTT DATA Italia. A technology campus designed to foster dialogue with the city and its social fabric, the project, led by De Amicis Architetti, is part of a broader urban regeneration plan that prioritizes enhancing the architectural identity of existing structures rather than constructing new ones. The design approach reflects the company’s desire to forge tangible bonds with its setting and, in particular, with the nearby university. It draws on the model of American college campuses, where the boundary between interior and exterior dissolves and open spaces once reserved for breaks are transformed into dynamic areas for work, study, and collaboration.

Extending horizontally, the main volume features expansive glazed openings overlooking an interior courtyard with garden beds, native plantings, and olive trees, as well as tables and chairs to encourage outdoor work. The entrance opens onto a welcoming lounge area, furnished with light-toned sofas arranged as a small informal seating zone. Beyond is a large space divided into three main areas with desks custom-designed by De Amicis Architetti and ergonomic chairs. An abundance of plants brings nature indoors, creating a calm, harmonious atmosphere. The exposed timber truss ceiling with visible services gives the space character and depth. On the floor, a tobacco-hued carpet evokes the warm tones of the Apulian soil, visually enveloping the environment.

The ground floor also includes private offices and a break room. A sand-colored stone staircase leads upstairs, where an additional breakout area and workshop host informal gatherings.

The selection of materials defines a distinctive identity that is firmly rooted in the local landscape. Trani stone, handmade terracotta, natural textiles, and native timbers create a vibrant materiality, reflecting both the typical palette and crafts of the Apulia region. Each finish reinforces a sense of place, with the design steering well clear of the standardized esthetics often found in corporate interiors. Reflecting the Mediterranean tradition, natural light is carefully modulated, while custom hand-blown light fittings designed by the architects provide artificial lighting that combines design and performance. In this project, sustainability goes well beyond energy efficiency and low-impact materials to embrace the entire production chain. By way of a tribute to local know-how – while also strengthening the project’s ethical dimension – almost every element was sourced or made locally.

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Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

The office area is divided into bays, each spanned by timber trusses that reference the history of the original structure.

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

Expansive windows with timber frames overlook the courtyard, creating an ongoing dialogue between indoors and out, and framing the landscape like a painting.

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

From the entrance, a stone staircase decorated with planters leads to the upper level, where a break area and workshop are located.

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

The building extends horizontally with large windows overlooking the interior courtyard. Equipped with garden beds and benches, the courtyard is a space for outdoor work.

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

Set among centuries-old olive trees, chairs and tables create a shared outdoor space where employees can immerse themselves in an environment that evokes the Apulian landscape.

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

Materials, details, and finishes were entrusted to local artisans and businesses to showcase regional expertise and underscore the ethical commitment behind the project.

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

Workspaces overlook a comfortable lounge area with leather armchairs, sofas, and informal seating. Baryon pendant lights designed by De Amicis Architetti provide illumination.

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

Formerly a car showroom, the building now embodies the company’s desire to establish local roots, creating connections with the surrounding community and, in particular, with the nearby university.

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

Designed as a space for sharing and relaxing, the staff break room has long steel tables with five differently-shaped terracotta bases and steel stools.

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

Otto wood tables designed by the architects and ergonomic chairs alternate with planters, bringing nature into the work environment.

Overlooking Olive Trees | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of De Amicis Architetti

Outside, the building resembles a traditional Apulian farmhouse, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens with elegant materials and carefully crafted details.

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