In an old abandoned building, the renovation focused on the knowledge of plants. An original and positive way of facing the major challenges of the climate crisis. 

In Milan, a competition linked to the renovation of an old apartment tower gave rise to very original proposals. The winning project is signed by the consortium of Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Stefano Boeri Architetti. DivercityMag has already praised the latter’s extraordinary initiative as part of the 2021 vaccination campaign, for which it has designed 1,500 temporary pavilions that will be installed in Italian cities. For its part, the American office has been in charge of iconic renovations, such as the Lincoln Center or the High Line in New York. 

The project combines the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings with new environmentally friendly constructions, but adds a “living” and biophilic cultural destination. A “laboratory greenhouse” will allow an immersive, educational, interactive and innovative experience around the art and science of plants. 

A real urban forest in the sky

By generating a new residential tower with 1,700m² of vegetation, distributed over the floors so that the flora changes colour with the seasons, the building acts like a 10,000m² forest, absorbing 14 tonnes of CO₂ and producing 9 tonnes of oxygen per year. The structure will be able to self-produce 65% of its energy needs. The existing building will be adapted to meet current standards for office space, while retaining its original character.

Considered to be the first Italian redevelopment project in line with ESG (environmental, social and governance practices) impact objectives , the project has been designed to meet the highest sustainability standards.

This project illustrates the vision of a forward-looking Milan. 

Tags: biophilia, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, ESG., Milan, Stefano Boeri Architetti, urban renewal