Luxottica Headquarters
A transparent crystal combining cutting-edge technology and material quality.
Rising in the heart of Milan, the new building designed by Park Associati conceived as a transparent crystal completes the Luxottica headquarters area. Acting as a linchpin among the architectural, historical and natural elements that characterise this urban microcosm overlooking the historical garden of Palazzo Litta, this new independent structure is protected by the façades of the pre-existing buildings and cannot be seen from Piazza Cadorna.
The clean-cut forms, the cutting-edge technology and the materials' quality give shape to an architecture that expresses innovation, beauty and functionality, starting from the façade developed in collaboration with Deerns. The highly technological double skin offers a balance between reflection and transparency. Similar to a filtering protective 'lens', the slightly convex façade lets the inside and the outside virtually come into physical contact and ensures optimal indoor conditions.
On the outside, the alternation of full and empty spaces created by the new structure generates a surprising and unusual space. The traditional Milanese courtyard concept is expanded and reinterpreted in line with the contemporary requirements of fluidity, interconnection and transparency.
The interior design project combines tradition and cutting-edge technology – the cornerstones of the Luxottica brand. The interior spaces house fully open space workstations complying with the 'clean desk' policy, meeting rooms for informal or private gatherings and areas for sharing and guest reception.
Evoking Milanese elegance, the Venetian-style terrazzo and Beola gneiss floors, the wooden cladding and the burnished metals of the two large scenic staircases are combined with high-tech elements and contemporary aesthetic touches, such as the false ceiling made of fabric-covered radiant panels and the large led video walls in the communal areas.
CREDITS
Design team
Founding Partners: Filippo Pagliani, Michele Rossi
Project Leader: Lorenzo Merloni
Architects: Alessandro Bentivegna, Luca Borlenghi, Alexia Caccavella, Corrado Collura, Alice Cuteri, Valeria Donini, Cristina Tudela Molino, Marco Vitalini.
Graphic designer: Marinella Ferrari
Visualizers: Fabio Calciati, Mario Frusca, Stefano Venegoni, Antonio Cavallo
Consultants
Mechanical and Electrical Plants, Façades, LEED Certification: Deerns
Structures: MSC Associati
Lighting project: IN-VISIBLE Lab
Fire Prevention: Studio Mistretta & Co
Landscape Project: Arch. Franco Giorgetta
General Contractor: Borio Mangiarotti, SMV Costruzioni
Façades: Stahlbau Pichler
