A Filipino Interpretation of Modernist Architecture Unlike the rest of Makati today, the northern end of Paseo de Roxas in Makati is anchored by a low complex rather than a tall skyscraper. This is the elegant Asian Institute of Management, designed by architect Gabriel Formoso and completed in 1971. In my opinion, the building is […]
Gucci Hub: How to Make Adaptive Reuse Fashionably Sustainable
ArchitectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary firm Piuarch crafts a stylish transformation for a former aeronautical factory into the home of one of the world’s most famous fashion brands. Built in 2016, Gucci’s Hub employs adaptive reuse to the historical buildings, adding a touch of sustainable luxury to its architecture. It’s an assembly of the industrial past infused with Gucci’s forward-thinking vision in the heart of Milan.
Tailored By History
The Caproni Factory was a pioneering aeronautical plant established in 1915. The company is well-known for its aircraft designs that played a crucial role in Italy’s aviation history. Unfortunately, the factory was shut down in the 1950s. From its sprawling complex, Gucci saw a historical site ripe for reinvention.
As such, the renowned fashion house set out to build their headquarters within its 323,000 square foot grounds to accommodate over 250 employees and visitors. They wanted to honor its legacy while also adding their distinct touch molded by the brand’s future vision.
Firstly, the designers preserved the factory’s original architectural elements. Exposed brick facades, saw-toothed shed roofs, and vast hangar spaces are unabashedly retained. In contrast, a large six-story glass and metal tower stands at the heart of the complex. It offers a juxtaposition to its retro surroundings with a more contemporary design.
The overall form balances the low-slung, repetitive nature of the original buildings with the verticality of the modern tower. This results in a harmonious relationship between old and new structures that showcases the beauty of adaptive reuse.
Threads From Past and Present
Gucci redefines the vast industrial spaces with a bright design that introduces something new to its aged place. Once used for aircraft assembly, the former hanger is now a breathtaking event space for fashion shows and large-scale gatherings. Hallways are crafted with an understated elegance formed by its monochromatic colors of black and white. Former factory spaces are renewed to host showrooms, photo studios, and workshops.
The hangar features a massive glass wall that opens to the exterior courtyard. The suspended metal walkways and staircases add opportunities for dynamic vantage points. Custom details, such as perforated metal screens and geometric lighting fixtures, convey a touch of refinement. Pops of color throughout standout against the factory-setting, as seen in the sculptural staircase.
Just like its original use, the Gucci Hub supports the brand’s creative work with cutting-edge technology. The project houses specialized production areas for the brand’s iconic leather goods and accessories. It’s an ode to the rich heritage of Italian manufacturing as they work within this historic space.
Meanwhile, the Hub holds more contemporary forms of work with digital technology. Design tools and 3D printing support workflows that push the boundaries of fashion creation. It’s a fusion of time-honor techniques and modern innovation.
Making Sustainability Fashionable
Gucci Hub’s design puts sustainability at the forefront with LEED Gold certification. The building saves on 25% of energy costs through a variety of eco-friendly features. Photovoltaic panels create renewable energy production on site. Geothermal heating and cooling systems assist in minimizing temperature-regulation consumption. Advanced management systems reduce 20% of water usage. Furthermore, the team’s thorough process recycled 90% of the construction waste the project produced.
In the context of its place, extensive greenery all throughout provides relief to the vast landscape. Gardens and a large plaza add trees to the surroundings across the property. By prioritizing environmental responsibility, the Gucci Hub demonstrates that style can also be inclusive to eco-friendliness.
Elevating Italian Icons
Aside from just the fashion world, The Gucci Hub extends its influence onto the city it has called home. It contributes to Milan’s efforts to reimagine its past with new vibrant spaces for future use. As a shining example, other projects have also followed suit in breathing new life to abandoned factories and warehouses.
Piuarch masterfully brings together adaptive reuse, sustainable features, and innovative technologies. It took an old factory and brought it up to modern standards with a luxurious take on sustainability and design.
Read more: The Reinvention And Rebuilding Of The House Of Gucci
Photo credit : Andrea Martiradonna
“Thailand has claimed urban creativity and livability. Singapore has institutional design leadership. Indonesia is emerging as a design hub. Vietnam is moving into design innovation. And the Philippines? Its position is not weak. It is simply unclaimed.” For IDr. Cecil Ravelas, National President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), the challenge is not […]
The Ramon Magsaysay Center as a Modernist Landmark Driving down Roxas boulevard from Rizal Park, what will catch your eye is the most elegant modernist structure in the country, the Ramon Magsaysay Center. Most established Filipino architects put it in their top ten lists of favorite buildings. It was designed by Alfredo J. Luz, who […]
Rinna Soriano’s favorite part of her work is sanding. At her workbench, she stays focused, following the grain, adjusting to changes in its direction. Narra, she has learned, can have interlocking grain. A piece of mango once proved particularly difficult until a worker explained that she had reached the point where a branch once grew […]
Filipino architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary has long been associated with indigenous materials and vernacular design strategies, from bamboo and timber construction to jalousie windows, generous spaces, […]
A chair does not always prescribe how to sit in it. A lamp can be more than a source of light. A clock can be more than a way to tell the time.These small departures from convention are at the center of IKEA PS 2026. The latest iteration of IKEA’s experimental PS series comprises more […]
Read the issues.
Collect the volumes.
Recommended Video
Tap to Unmute
Unmute
0:00
0:00