New Architecture in Milan & Tuscany, Italy section event and chapter conference
500 years of green roofs in Italy
Italy Section Leader Esteban Cruz, Assoc. AIA organized a relaxing and informative weekend of activities for 36 AIACE members from Europe and the United States.
First stop was to Carosello Shopping Center construction site in the Milan suburb of Carugate. The project reinterprets retail design to include a variety of energy-saving elements such as roof-mounted, natural light cannons in the gallery and what will be the largest green-roof in Italy. Tim Santini of Eurocommercial Properties (the owner and developer) sponsored and hosted the group, explaining a bit about the company and the project from the investor’s point of view.
Lead architect Charles Dunnett of Dunnett/Craven in London related the history of the design process and influences on the design itself. Mauro Giuliani, the structural engineer and owner of ReDesCo in Milan, then illustrated the building structure, explained how the structures act during seismic events. To further the participants’ understanding of the concepts, the structural design of Carosello was compared to the structural design of another shopping center in Cyprus, which is subject to even stronger seismic forces.
After enjoying a catered buffet lunch provide for by Eurocommercial properties, the group had a guided tour of the Carosello construction site, scheduled to open at the end of the month, to view firsthand the design elements discussed during the morning. Friday ended with an afternoon road trip to Florence, permitting the group to recuperate before tackling the next day’s activities.
Saturday, the group rose bright and early to travel to the Chianti region south of Florence. After a short stop to witness the meditative and solemn atmosphere of the American WWII Memorial and Cemetery, AIACE proceeded on to tour the Sannini terra cotta factory, learning about the production of this historic and well-known building material.
After visiting the production facility and seeing the entire terra cotta process from the molding to the firing, the group was then received at Villa Le Corti, the vineyard of the Corsini family, where again we were met with traditional Italian hospitality. The villa is built directly above the historic wine production facilities, built in the 16th century and which are concealed under a green garden surrounding the house. The Corsini family kindly hosted us for lunch directly in the winery.
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| Flickr photo set |
While at Villa Le Corti, the group first heard a formal presentation on the use of terra cotta by the President of “Sannini Project” (the design section of the Sannini terra cotta factory), followed by a talk by Marco Casamonti, Italian architect and principle of Archea associates with five offices in Italy, one in Dubai and one in Shanghai. Marco presented several of his works which incorporate innovative uses of terracotta, and in particular presented a modern interpretation of an underground wine production facility: The Antinori winery is constructing a 52-thousand square meter vineyard which will be completely hidden under an existing Tuscan hill. The only indication that it exists will be two long slits in the earth and the vines growing on the roof. AIACE was invited to visit the construction site and see the current activities of ground consolidation, foundations and excavations.
The group rounded out its weekend with a delicious evening meal at the Trattoria Quattro Leoni in the heart of Florence, arranged by one of our local Florentine residents, 2009 President-elect Marc DiDomenico, AIA.
Many thanks to Esteban for all his effort in putting together such a wonderful event. This mini-conference, while carrying on the chapter’s long-standing tradition of informative and entertaining programs, has implemented a new AIACE format during which our members can enjoy a relaxing weekend away and simultaneously earn a few well-deserved continuing education credits. Keep an eye out for the next one!
—Steve Scamihorn, AIA 2008 President