Milan

The building is situated within a trapezoidal area that nestles into the surrounding lots like a wedge. The nearby environment appears disorganized and lacks a cohesive shape. Apart from the Martesana Canal in the background, there are no notable formal elements. On the opposite side of the road lies an elevated freight railway, surrounded by greenery that softens its visual impact.

Via Chioggia is characterized by low-rise buildings, typically two or three stories high, constructed in the early 20th century in a traditional and unadorned style. At the project site, this pattern is interrupted, giving way to seven-story residential buildings from the 1970s, characterized by economical construction methods.
Scattered throughout the surrounding lots, there is a fragmented network of small warehouses, none exceeding five meters in height.
Given this fragmented urban context, the design of the new building seeks to seize the opportunity to mend the discontinuities of the area by integrating the new volume harmoniously into the urban fabric.

The result is a building with a differentiated volume: on one side, it integrates with the modest scale of Via Chioggia, while on the other, it aligns with the taller buildings in the background. This is achieved through a gentle vertical transition from south to north, complemented by a horizontal, step-like progression from east to west, which visually connects the structure to the taller residences nearby.

The building has a compact design, occupying only 30% of the lot, leaving ample space for green areas.
The ground floor and the open spaces on the building's west side are designated for advanced, non-polluting craft activities.
Access to the laboratories is separated from the residential areas: the laboratories are entered via the gardens, while the residential units are accessed from the east side of the building. A nearly linear path leads to the two staircases, ensuring clear and functional circulation.