Palazzo Molteni
Milan, Italy
2024
In the heart of Milan, a stone’s throw from Piazza della Scala, at number 9 Via Manzoni, stands an example of historical architecture that invites a dialogue between tradition and innovation. Palazzo Molteni, which perfectly embodies the essence of Milan, is a surprising journey into a domestic universe that intertwines with monumental grandeur and eclectic style.
The project aims to create a continuous dialogue between interior and exterior spaces, with rooms, corridors, private passages, and entertainment areas alternating with terraces and hanging gardens, establishing a fluid relationship between indoors and outdoors. The upper floors offer breathtaking views of the city, providing an unexpected perspective of Milan seen from above.
At the heart of this vision lies the internal courtyard, transformed into an indoor room covered by a large glass roof with strong graphic design. Surrounding it, the interiors are organized into austere, pure atmospheres, with a grand monumental staircase acting as a connecting element between the various floors. The balanced mix of modernity and memory expresses the sensory and narrative world of Molteni&C, representing the quality of its “art de vivre.”
The coffered ceiling design, reinterpreted in a contemporary style, serves as a unifying element throughout the spaces, with its geometric pattern reflected in the glass roof, the coffee-colored oak paneling, and the floor patterns. The use of materials such as avocado-colored marble and oak wood is complemented by color contrasts between light travertine and dark oak wood, paying homage to Milanese decorative tradition.
The entrance, following the typical layout of Milan’s palaces, is preceded by a covered passage on Via Manzoni, providing access that connects city life with a more private, reserved dimension. The ceiling of the entrance gallery mirrors the geometric motif chosen for the entire project, also visible in the iron gate and in the grid-like structure supporting the large onyx wall in the reception area.
The upper floors house the Molteni Galleria, a multifunctional space for public events, conferences, and meetings with architects and designers. The lounges and meeting areas are designed to foster sharing and interaction.
Every design element is crafted to express refined quality and meticulous attention to detail, creating a multifunctional space that can adapt to various needs, blending elegance, fine materials, and a harmony of textures, colors, and lines.
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Info: Molteni.it
Photos by Max Zambelli
Publications:
Living (Corriere della Sera), 9 January 2025
Living (Corriere della Sera), March 2025
