'Via Manzoni 38' in Milan, Italy
Exterior lighting gives Great dynamism to the 19th-century Facade
Location : Milan, Italy.
Owner : Citta Moderna.
Interior design : Studio Caberlon Caroppi.
Exterior lighting design : Chiara Caberlon
Written by : Jung-Bae Kim. Publisher & Editor. Lighting Critic.
Photo courtesy of : Studio Caberlon Caroppi.
In Italy, a very interesting and informative architecture, interior and lighting remodeling
project is underway. The topical project is ' Via Manzoni 38'. Studio Caberlon Caroppi's
'Via Manzoni 38' project is a site where Italian design firm Milanese Studios, which mainly deals with hotels, is now “A new challenge”.
The owner of the building is the real estate company Citta Moderna. The company was
generally looking for original buildings, actively participating in the operation of residential real estate. Cita Mordena's initial goal for the building was to remodel a large cubic
building, a space with double views between Manzoni and Bogospesso.
◆ Overview of the Project
The first floor of the building was rented by top-tier brands and commercial businesses,
and the goal of the project was to “realize a high-end residential unit." The building could then be sold to wealthy customers in the Milanese milieu. However, the building finally
decided to turn into an office.
On this project, Chiara Caberlon said: “They liked our project. And, this task was too
difficult for us. This project was especially challenging given that we had to redevelop all
the interior spaces affected by the 'intervention' of the 70s.
They needed to add elegance and fame to the entrance of the building. What's more,
His mission has been expanded through research on exterior lighting performed with
interior lighting designers. Ultimately, we wanted to realize the first historic building with
dynamic lighting on its exterior.”
◆ Outside Lighting design Overview
According to Chiara Caberlon, the external lighting system here is implemented by a
device that starts at the center of the front during dark hours and rises until full lighting
of the front is achieved.
This special effect gives great dynamism to all architectural aspects of the 19th-century
facade, linking it with various events such as Milan Fashion and Design Week and other
events in the city.
To this end, a wing system was built in collaboration with Penta to create a section
dedicated to architectural lighting. A small profile has been created to match the current
course embedded in the architectural details of the facade to maintain the same color on the facade repainted without obstructing the holes or passageways.
This is an interesting result of creating scenarios with sustainable costs and minimal visual impact, starting with the underline of architectural elements during the evening.
In this regard, Chiara Caberlon said, "We approached the project with this spirit. Chiara
Caberlon started out from the outside to the inside, focusing on work on a common area without personality and a more modern meaning. I wanted to change everything."
◆ Finishing material plan
The project was simply “a project that reopens some closed windows”. Later, the space
here will be completed with an important dimension of plants, perhaps magnolia. In
addition, flooring of'ancient' made of stone is also relocated.
Meanwhile, the approach to the interior is very important here. Unfortunately, poor
finishes have been added here for years, through work that does not take into account
the value of the building.
Most of all, the 'customer' seeks to regain fame in terms of budget, demands a solution
between the past and the future, and attempts to maintain a distance from a specific
historical period that does not focus on other historical things.
It can be said that it relies on standardized practices not related to this place. Next to the historic steps was a clinker tile and a Venetian terrace with linoleum. But everything in this past will be removed.
◆ Office building pursuing 'Dynamic fashion space'
Regarding 'Via Manzoni 38', Chiara Caberlon made this conclusion.
“We had to find a 'adhesive' between different ages, and we still decided to find a
substance that was historically related. In this regard, we are talking about marble.
It also remembers the details that already exist inside the building, removed the
reinforcing bars and inserted warm brass. Past finishes have been modified to modern
finishes. Considering that 3/4's tenants are related to the world of fashion, we want to
realize a dynamic space, a real 'fashion' space here.
Because our project needs to talk about us in a modern and modern language with a
spirit of materials that best suits the essence of the building."
Meanwhile, the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. Putting these
things together, 'Via Manzoni 38' is a very unique architectural, interior and lighting
design project.
It is a very valuable opportunity for lighting designers to look at how these projects are
progressing through the designers participating in the work.