SOM Restores Corso Italia 23: Preserving Milan’s 1960s Modernist Soul

SOM’s transformation of Corso Italia 23 in Milan reimagines a 1960s office complex as a modern, permeable urban campus while sustaining its original modernist DNA. The 46,500-square-metre project comprises three volumes originally designed by Gio Ponti and Piero Portaluppi.

SOM preserves about 70% of the existing structure and foundations to curb embodied carbon. A central courtyard, once used as a parking lot, is converted into a shared garden with planted seating and new pedestrian routes.

This improves permeability and creates visual connections through the site.

Preserving the Modernist Core while Creating an Urban Campus

The refurbishment centers on maintaining the massing and geometric discipline of the Ponti/Portaluppi volumes. SOM weaves in new contemporary needs while elevating the site’s public realm and performance.

Strategic Reinhabitation and Material Strategy

Strategic reinhabitation becomes the guiding principle, treating the existing complex as a material bank rather than a demolition target. This approach blends material reuse with the demand for transparency, connectivity, and sustainability in a modern workplace.

• Retention of 70% of structure and foundations to minimize embodied carbon and extend the life of the building.
• Conversion of the central courtyard into a green, planted space with accessible routes and seating.
• Glass-enclosed entrance lobbies that open sightlines into the courtyard and enhance permeability.
• Repurposing of the red granite façade debris into a glass-fibre-reinforced concrete (GFRC) system that matches the original color and tone.
• New internal openings and large spiral staircases reconnect fractured floorplates, improving circulation and legibility.
• Preservation of the complex’s massing and geometric discipline to maintain the modernist language of the project.

Permeability, Circulation, and Spatial Legibility

The project aims to turn a formerly enclosed block into a porous, legible urban campus. Continuous visual and physical connections from street to courtyard are established.

The design fosters transparency and invites occupants to explore multiple routes through the three volumes.

Key Interventions

• Activation of the central courtyard as a shared social and ecological space with planted seating and shade.
• Installation of large spiral staircases that connect different floorplates and create a coherent campus experience.
• New openings that frame courtyard views from interior spaces, strengthening wayfinding.

Sustainability, Energy Performance, and Circularity

The refurbishment upgrades the complex to modern energy and performance standards while honoring its original form. A circular economy mindset informs material choices, aiming to minimize waste and maximize reuse.

Sustainability Moves

• 70% retention of structure to lower embodied carbon and extend the building’s operational life.
• Enhanced envelope and systems to meet current energy performance benchmarks.
• Reuse of existing materials where possible, with GFRC facades designed to match the original red granite palette.
• Strategic integration of new interior elements that respect the building’s geometry and provide modern comfort and efficiency.

Programmatic Additions and Public Realm

The project introduces new programmatic elements that support a vibrant workplace and a more active public realm. Additions are carefully staged within the existing massing to preserve architectural discipline and expand function.

New Facilities

• Lounges and breakout spaces designed for collaboration and spontaneous interaction.
• Roof terraces that activate the skyline and provide seasonal outdoor spaces.
• A conference centre with a 200-seat auditorium to host events and community engagement.

Legacy and Visual Documentation

The Corso Italia 23 project is a practical example of architectural resilience and circular design. SOM chose to reinhabit the site instead of demolishing it.

This approach shows how a historic campus can be updated for modern needs. Photography by Dave Burk captures the transformation.

The images highlight the project’s refined materials and new transparent spaces.

 
Here is the source article for this story: SOM “preserves the soul” of 1960s modernist office complex in Milan