A former gym located inside an office building in the North area of Milan
not far from Hangar Bicocca has been transformed by the lead architects of studioinòci (Architect Umberto Di Tanna and Architect Aurora Sbrizzi) into the headquarters of a web content creation company.
The goal of the project is to create a flexible workspace: an open space that is structured around a “fixed” element that hosts some specific functions.
This central element is called “monolith” because it appears to be a closed architectural element obtained from a single mass of material capable of opening up completely and fragmenting into all its functions.
The existing chequered raised floor has been preserved, but the geometric composition of the elements has been modified.
The “monolith” is made up of a metal structure with recycled uprights pillar and crosspieces which is based directly on the floating floor.
Before the construction project of the element, there was a study phase on how to divide in multiple phases for the assembly system on site, allowing transportability and the possibility of being easily reassembled and reused elsewhere, thus avoiding waste and following the eco-design solution.
The shell is made of recycled microperforated metal sheet doors, which enclose on one side a storage system capable of containing servers and on the other side a built-in kitchenette. The final area of the block instead encloses the relaxation area.
The material element is not treated or finished, every weld, bolt or mechanism is exposed to maintain its primitive appearance.
The entire open space is characterized by a palette of materials in dark tones ranging from charcoal gray to black. The main lighting system laid in geometric rows gives uniform light and is made up of linear systems of lights with exposed corrugated pipes, a reference to architectural design with cyberpunk inspiration.
The central block is illuminated at the base to give a greater dramatic effect, appearing to float in the environment.
All the elements that make up the office are designed as a unicum with
the "monolith" and in fact even the fan coil covers and baseboards are made of metal.
The restrooms were renovated following the color choices of the rest of
the project. The existing wall coverings have been preserved where possible and integrated with new concrete tiles. The metal element also returns here, characterizing the countertop of the sinks, the storage elements and the mirror rest.
