Practice pips four rival firms to Porta Romana fashion-district campus  

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates has been picked to deliver a flagship office-led redevelopment for the area chosen to be Milan’s new fashion district. 

The practice beat four rival practices with its proposals for the transformation of the city’s Porta Romana industrial area into a major centre for prime office space targeting creative industries. 

Its proposals will see the “deep refurbishment” of two existing properties on the site – Lorenzini 10, a two-storey, 400sq m building, and Lorenzini 12, a five-storey, 3,500sq m building – as well as the construction of two new L-shaped buildings, delivering 17,000 sq m over eight floors at Lorenzini 8.

Developers COIMA and Red Circle Group said Lorenzini 8-10-12 was envisaged as a prototype for the future development of the neighbourhood, which is next to the city’s Porta Romana railway yard. 

04_Lorenzini 8, Milan, detail of 3rd floor terrace, designed by KPF ©Aesthetica

Source: Aesthetica

KPF design principal Brian Girard said the practice’s winning proposals had been inspired by the industrial heritage of the area and the refinement that distinguishes Milanese urban planning. 

“Guided by the needs and aspirations of the new generation, we hope that this campus of buildings and public spaces can establish itself as a new standard in the Milanese professional ecosystem,” he said.  

06_Lorenzini 12, 10, 8 (left to right), Milan designed by KPF ©Aesthetica

Source: Aesthetica

Street-facing view of KPFs Lorenzini 8-10-12 proposals

COIMA and Red Circle said construction was due to start on site later this year for completion in 2025, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics – which will be hosted in the city. 

The SOM-designed Winter Olympics Village for the games will be at Porta Romana.

Lorenzini GM

Source: Google Maps

The buildings at Nos. 10 and 8 Lorenzini in Milan