Site Analysis: Milan, Italy

     Landor, a graphic design group, is expanding their offices internationally. The city assigned to me is Milan, Italy, better known as the fashion capital of the world. It will be my job to include the contemporary aspects that represent the massive design industry there. Throughout this project I will be designing the interiors of an office space and developing design solutions for everyday problems people face in these settings. To begin the project, the site must be analyzed.

     Milan has a rich cultural heritage but it is best known for its huge design and fashion world. Streets, such as Via Monte Napoleone, are lined with fashion houses and couture shops. The cuisine is world renowned and the nightlife is famous. Milan is not only trendy, it is also very historical. The Italian city is filled with ancient museums, galleries, churches and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world located in Piazza Del Duomo.

 Piazza Del Duomo; Milan, Italy





     Milan is part of the Mediterranean climate. However, like any  other major city, the micro climate from the urban population causes weather to be more extreme. Summers, especially July and August can be unbelievably hot and humid. Along with the sweltering heat and humidity comes disease-ridden mosquitoes. Winter, although the city is mostly protected by mountains, are very chilly with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing, rainy and covered in heavy fog. Average temperatures in the city's center are 39 degrees in January and 86 degrees in July. Wind is typically unusual except during the spring months when wind storms blow in off the Alps, often causing damages and injuries.



A heavy fog rolls over Milan in the winter months.

Many architects are redesigning Milan for  Expo 2015, the theme is Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life. Projects are underway throughout the city to rehabilitate unused  industrial buildings. This will impact the way I develop the new Landor office.  This affects technology and creativity and how they relate to designing the inside sustainably. The new office is located on Via Tortona, part of a business district. My goal is to ensure that the building fulfills its duties while blending in with its surrounding neighborhood.



Street view of new Landor office.