The project is distinguished by its close dialogue with the existing building designed in the 1970s by Marco Zanuso, respecting its elevations, chromatic scheme and branched form. The building, on three levels contains 50 housing units for students. Each unit faces outward with a large window set back from the profile of the facade. The facade is organized as a continuous ribbon, lightened and made transparent by square openings of varying size and intensity. The intensity of the windows changes in function of the corresponding interior spaces: the windows of the residential units are generous and create ample walls of light, becoming smaller for the communal spaces and areas of circulation. The interior spaces are designed for maximum flexibility, rejecting the classical scheme of a row of rooms joined by a hallway.
Competition, 1st prize
Milan, Italy
2007 – In progress
Client: Fondazione Collegio delle Università Milanesi
Built area: 3.000 sqm
Cultural Housing
The pattern of variable window dimensions lends rhythm and alleviates the weight of the long continuous facades, for which light plays a fundamental role, both internally and externally.
The project seeks to establish a dialogue with the existing building, reiterating its branched form and respecting its heights and chromatic scheme.