WeWork Milano in Italy by Design To Users

Article source: Design To Users

​WeWork​, the global flexible workspace provider, is opening this week its newest building in Via Giuseppe Mazzini 9. This is WeWork’s 4th location in Milan.

The choice of a vibrant and touristy location

Via Mazzini 9 opens its doors this 15 March, in the heart of Milan’s lively tourist centre. Few steps away from the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Palazzo Reale and Scala Theatre, the building is located close to dynamic retail streets and is served by a wide choice of public transport, thus benefiting from exceptional accessibility. A prestigious and vibrant location in the city, which was a natural and strategic choice for WeWork. Muhannad Al Salhi, General Manager of WeWork Italy and Spain discloses: “Opening of a new WeWork location always starts with our future members in front mind – from thinking about how the design of spaces will inspire community and innovation, to the location of the building. One of our strengths is our always prime city centre locations, and Via Mazzini 9 reflects this strategy, while also representing great opportunities from a business perspective. With its excellent transport links and thriving neighborhood, we are betting on attracting more and more companies to an area which so far has a powerful touristic and retail aura, yet whose potential for corporations has not been fully tapped.”

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

• Architects: Design To Users
• Project: WeWork Milano
• Location: Milan, Italy

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Companies that are more and more looking for flexible workspace solutions, as reflected in the growing number of companies with more than 500 employees that are making the move to WeWork. “Now accounting for 54% of our member portfolio, large companies are increasingly turning to us. This fourth opening in Milan within 13 months speaks to the dynamism of the market today and the growth opportunities that we have ahead”, adds Muhannad.

A completely renovated building, where history meets the contemporary

Former headquarters of one of the oldest banks in Milan, the Banca Agricola Milanese, 9 Via Mazzini has seen its 7,7000 m², spread over 8 floors, completely refurbished. The renovation of the building’s interior was carried out by the architectural firm D2U, which had the critical mission to bring contemporary nuances yet conserving historical features.

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Jacopo della Fontana, D2U partner in charge of the project explains: “It was a great satisfaction to complete this ambitious and innovative project in such a complex period thanks to the great understanding with the Wework team and the use of cutting-edge design tools”.

The balanced combination of these two languages – preserving the historical heritage while adding the WeWork touch – can be experienced throughout the building. The layered façade and the original signage, for example, have been kept as existing to keep all the authenticity, while the ground floor façade was fully opened up to allow good visibility from frequented street, thus ensuring a good presence for WeWork in Milan.

The design as well, always aiming for the best members experience, has been thought out to create inspiring, comfortable and collaborative spaces. The central ground floor lounge, naturally lighted by the skylight, evokes milanese patios. Hidden at the center of the building, behind arches, this space offers a peaceful, calm, and green space, away from the liveliness of the city.

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

The other spaces glorify the historic heritage of the building, using its original materials and old bank aesthetics. The warm, rich tones of walnut matte finish veneer on all interior faces mixed with black and white tiles were used to elevate the space and make it accessible.

Spaces that prioritize the health and safety of members and communities

Since the start of the health crisis, WeWork’s Design team has developed a comprehensive and global plan that outlines all the changes in the workspace. The enhancements put in place across the global portfolio of 800+ buildings were recently validated by the awarding of Global Certificate of Conformity by Bureau Veritas

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

• an internationally recognised testing, inspection, and certification Via Mazzini 9 has been designed and fitted out to meet these new workplaces standards:
  • Professional distancing and prioritising personal space – with staggered seating and buffer zones that align with governmental guidelines on social
  • Behavioural signage – to help direct the members around the spaces and how to use them safely.

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Image Courtesy © Design To Users

Tags: Italy, Milan

Categories: Interiors, Office Building, office Complex, Office space, Offices

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