It’s easy for foreigners to conjure images of life in Italy. A beachside spritz in Cinque Terre, men with mustaches in striped-shirts paddling gondolas through the canals of Venice, and gladiator clad men traipsing around Rome’s Colosseum… what else comes to mind? (Thanks, Hollywood and Instagram!) However, readers of this blog know that Italy also represents cutting-edge technology and modern architecture.
After living in Milan for one year, I felt attuned to the city. I knew how it moved, what it sounded like, and where its people went to drink their espresso standing up. I’d explored galleries, museums, various districts of design, culture, and of course shopping.
I hadn’t exactly assimilated, but I knew what the hand gestures meant.
Then, I encountered CityLife. It was like stepping into another world, more alluring and futuristic than I could have imagined. It was a surprise to see this side of the city, even more extreme in its contrast to the surrounding neighborhoods. Long considered by Italians to be the most modern city in their country, Milan has continued to prove its world class status globally through ambitious projects.
CityLife Milano
CityLife – Interior of Allianz Tower (Il Dritto)
CityLife is a district of business, commercial, and residential buildings. Generali Group won the bid to revitalize this NW corner of the city on the historic grounds of Fiera Milano. The metro stop Tre Torri (Three Towers) reaches CityLife in 15 minutes by metro from the city center. Its namesake are three guardian skyscrapers, nicknamed Il Dritto (The Straight One), Il Curvo (The Curved One), and Lo Storto (The Twisted One), designed by a brilliant cast of architects: Arata Isozuki & Associates, Studio Daniel Libeskind, and Zaha Hadid Architects.
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CityLife Milano | Architecture & Interior Design
The elegant design of CityLife presents lithe lines and angular features that create a flow throughout the development. A concrete path leads to a community of residential buildings constructed by Libeskind and Hadid. While they aren’t the most expensive flats in town, (Bosco Verticale), they’re a close second. The apartments vary in size, layout, and view, but each has access to outdoor living space.
Gionata Xerra
Mario Tirelli
Michele Nastasi
Michele Nastasi
Mario Tirelli
The luxe interiors leave little for residents to long for. In the Hadid Residences, kitchen and bathroom fixtures showcase fine Italian design by Gessi, created to promote wellness by appealing to each of the five senses.
Photo courtesy of Milano Contract District
Gionata Xerra
Photo courtesy of Milano Contract District
Photo courtesy of Milano Contract District
Photo courtesy of Milano Contract District
Photo courtesy of Milano Contract District
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CityLife Milano | Sustainability & Culture
CityLife is only open to pedestrians and cyclists. This environment will attract tourists and Milanesi alike to the shopping center, complete with restaurants, bars, and cinema. The element of smart mobility is balanced by an underground system of roads and parking.
Its commitment to culture and sustainability continues with projects like Carlo Ratti’s “Garden of the Four Seasons” and Libeskind’s Museum of Contemporary Art.
Michele Nastasi
Alberto Fanelli
Milan celebrates its history and future through projects like CityLife, attracting an international audience and community. I hope you enjoy the newest addition to an already vibrant scene. I look forward to sharing more exciting happenings with you all from Milan!
