The new headquarter for this agency is sited in the earth of milan, steps from Giardini di porta Venezia and the fashion district of via Montenapoleone inside the Omsa Building by Luigi Mattioni.

Built in 1956/58, at the corner between via Turati and via Fatebenefratelli, this mid rise office building is a symbol of Italian mid century architecture.

P2A has been asked to redisgn the headquarter for Work Agency, one of the biggest work firm in italy. The idea behind this refurbishment is to preserve the nature of the building, the gentle austerity, while adding some discrete modern elements.

After stripping out the '70s refurbishment materials, the simple yet effective original design revealed, that serves as a base for the remodelling of the space.

The project finds its essence in some discrete elements mixed to render a unity image.

The frosted glass and aluminum doors together with the skirting and the sub-window panels define a continuous line that draw the spaces. These elements create the contrast between the floor and walls and allows the light of the large windows to flow into the entrance spaces and corridor, contributing to a unitary reading of the spaces while respecting the privacy requirements of executive offices.

A texturized continuous flooring is used throughout the office. The use of a single material with different laying patterns is used to define the hierarchy of the spaces: the continuous laying of the corridor and the operative offices contrasts with the herringbone pattern of the meeting rooms and the double herringbone pattern of the executive office.

The lighting is made with 3000K LED elements so as to recreate a soft and relaxed light and respect the colors of the furnishing elements.

The fit out is made with new contemporary classics elements such as the leather chairs of Muuto and Arper and the Extendo fenix and steel tables. Some bespoke elements are used, such as the reception desk - black monolith with pure shapes - and the backlit bar cabinet, characterized by a soft mid-century feeling.

project team:
alessandro pasini, paola renda, matteo tollini

attività svolte:
project design, project management, furniture design

builder:
Impresa D&D

bespoke furniture:
F.B. Arreda

furniture:
Extendo, Muuto,  Arper, RES Italia, Nemo Lighting, Kvadrat Fabric

photo credit: andrea fongo