Built to Last - Open-Use Buildings
Piazzo Santo Stefano in Milan
4. Semester / MA Thesis
Chair for Urbanism and Housing
The project focuses on the topic of resilience in the design of a structure in the city of Milan. The emphasis is on the spatial structure and the design of the facade. The propose is a solitair that retains its significance regardless of regular changes in the urban context. . Its polygonal shape relates to the street and building lines, creating interesting outdoor spaces. The new structure forms the western edge of the church square, positioned at a distance from the tower for maximum visibility. It extends beyond the building edges of the surrounding development, guiding pedestrians across the church square. Its compact composition and open design allow for flexible use of this public space. The arcade serves as a transitional zone between the public space and the building functions. It encourages interaction between pedestrians and the activities on the ground floor while providing a shaded and protected walkway.
Inner organisation
Within the polygonal structure, there is a stepped courtyard. It not only provides light and access but also serves as a communication and interaction zone, connecting the uses and residents. To foster exchange and create space in the dense urban area, the courtyard offers a generous communal area. An important aspect is the building's diverse use, with public or special uses on the ground floor, offices and commercial spaces on the upper floors, and attractive apartments on the top levels. This covers and reflects all the functions of urban space. 
The structural framework, facade, and wet areas are fixed elements, while the remaining open floor plan structure allows for maximum flexibility in unit sizes. The spaces can be modified according to the users' needs, providing residents with the opportunity to adapt over time.
The facade
A strong base distinguishes the public space from the upper floors, giving the building an impression of stability and connection to the ground. The load-bearing elements are visibly expressed on the exterior in a structuralist manner. The sequence of vertical elements allows for varying levels of opacity depending on the viewing angle.
The facade functions in different layers, giving it relief and plasticity. Cladding it with terracotta creates a warm character and harmoniously blends with the surrounding context in terms of color.