Italy Pavilion Expo 2015Padiglione Italia Expo Milano 2015
The Palazzo was designed by Nemesi&Partners, in association with Proger and BMS Progetti (for the structural engineering and installations) and Prof. Livio De Santoli (for the sustainability of the building).
The architectural firm won the international planning competition launched by Expo 2015 S.p.A. in April 2013, despite fierce competition from over sixty other firms from around the world.
The architects Michele Molè e Susanna Tradati drew inspiration from the concept of an “urban forest”. They envisaged the outer shell of the building as a ramified “skin”, evoking both a primitive and technologically advanced image.
Italian Palace - facede's detailPadiglione Italia Expo Milano 2015
The outer "skin" of Palazzo Italia is clad in more than 700 i.active BIODYNAMIC concrete panels with Italcementi's patented TX Active technology. When the material comes into contact with light, it can "capture" pollution in the air, transforming it into inert salts and reducing smog levels. The mortar used is 80% recycled aggregates, including scrap material from marble quarries in Carrara that helps add more luster than in traditional white cement.
The Roof
The roof designed by Nemesi for Palazzo Italia is an innovative "sail" realized by Stahlbau Pichler. It’s an interpretation of a forest canopy, with photovoltaic glass and flat and curved geometric shapes. Together with the building's envelope of "branches", it’s a manifest expression of innovation in design and technology. The roof reaches its architectural height above the inner piazza, where a massive glazed conical skylight "hangs" over the square and the central steps, radiating natural light.
Italian Palace - Courtyard viewPadiglione Italia Expo Milano 2015
The figures show just how successful the Italy Pavilion has been, with over 2 million people going to the "House of Italian Identity" exhibition in Palazzo Italia.
Other figures show the incredible Italian success at the Expo, with 266 high ranking Italian and foreign dignitaries visiting Palazzo Italia. This includes 60 Heads of State and Government.
Italian Pavilion ExhibitionPadiglione Italia Expo Milano 2015
Italian Palace - night viewPadiglione Italia Expo Milano 2015
DESIGN:
Nemesi & Partners Srl, Arch. Michele Molè Founder and Director and Arch. Susanna Tradati Partner Associate and Project Manager
DESIGN PARTNERS:
Proger SpA- Bms Progetti Srl, Engineering and Cost Management
Prof. Ing. Livio De Santoli, Sustainability energy
CONTRACTORS PALAZZO ITALIA:
Italcementi SpA and Styl-Comp Group, branched facade
Stahlbau Pichler Srl, sail covering
