Design Courier

HOME   |

Canvas of PLANS & DRAWINGS

The Sign: A Model of Urban Regeneration and Biodiversity

3-progetto-cmr-medelhan-design-courier.jpg

The Sign: an urban regeneration project designed to return a previously inaccessible part of the city to the citizens of Milan. Signed by Progetto CMR – celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024 – and promoted by Convivio, the new structure spans over 40,000 square meters. Located in the south-eastern area of Milan, this lively part of the Italian metropolis is well-connected to the city's urban fabric thanks to an efficient transport network. Adding to the vibrancy of The Sign’s context are the university campuses of Iulm, NABA, and Domus Academy. Thus, it is a neighbourhood full of cultural and entertainment initiatives and events, with a mixed composition, making it well-suited to host the hospitality, food & beverage activities within The Sign’s commercial grid.

The Sign, Milan, Italy, Progetto CMR <br />Image copyright: @Andrea Martiradonna
The Sign, Milan, Italy, Progetto CMR
Image copyright: @Andrea Martiradonna

From the 1950s, when it was originally inaugurated, until 1997, this Milanese sector was home to the former Vedani Foundry – a metal conversion company. Today, it is a prestigious business district, home to several important multinational companies. Currently, the former foundry retains a small building in front of the future headquarters of L’Oréal Italia, while The Sign includes four office buildings that house Aon, NTT Data, and, by the end of 2024, when this evolving complex will be fully completed, L’Oréal Italia. In addition to the business-oriented portions of the project, there are several green spaces for the community, including a 4,000 square meter square open to Milanese and passersby, named after the writer Fernanda Pivano. Additionally, there are spaces specifically designed to preserve the local biodiversity. A virtuous project, which, according to forecasts, will see approximately 2,800 workers passing through daily upon its completion, in addition to students and residents.

The Sign, Milan, Italy, Progetto CMR <br />Image copyright: @Andrea Martiradonna
The Sign, Milan, Italy, Progetto CMR
Image copyright: @Andrea Martiradonna
The Sign, Milan, Italy, Progetto CMR <br />Image copyright: @Andrea Martiradonna
The Sign, Milan, Italy, Progetto CMR
Image copyright: @Andrea Martiradonna

The design quality of The Sign is not only in its openness to people. Indeed, it is not just a real estate regeneration project, but also an example of environmental sustainability applied to architecture. This is evidenced by the fact that the first lot received the BiodiverCity certification in 2021: the first time this recognition has ever been awarded to any development in Italy. The certificate, granted after a careful evaluation, aims to promote the importance of biodiversity in real estate projects as a driver of well-being for both the environment and people. Among the numerous examples for The Sign, there are spaces designed for butterflies and bee nests to enhance local biodiversity. While the certification process for the second construction lot is underway, The Sign is already a model of quality and constructive innovation. With the goal of creating workplaces where people are happy to go every day, Progetto CMR has designed common areas and social spaces for necessary breaks. Great importance has also been given to terraces, where it will be possible to work outdoors and organize events.

Magazine Design Courier
Magazine Design Courier

Get Design Courier straight to your inbox

The community magazine for the community
Powered by Medelhan - The Global Design Network
The community magazine for the community
Powered by Medelhan - The Global Design Network
© Design Courier. Powered by Medelhan. Developed by Broadweb.80
The community magazine for the community
Powered by Medelhan - The Global Design Network
The community magazine for the community
Powered by Medelhan - The Global Design Network

Get Design Courier straight to your inbox

© Design Courier. Powered by Medelhan. Developed by Broadweb.80