MAD Architects has revealed the design for Milan’s “MoLo” Mobility and Logistics Hub.
In early 2022, Milan launched an urban renewal initiative known as the “Milan Innovation District.” This ambitious plan aims to transform the main site of the 2015 Milan World Expo, spanning one million square meters in the city’s northwest, into a major technology park. The MIND Innovation Zone will host cutting-edge workshops focused on life sciences and urban development research, alongside new university campuses. It will also feature residential areas, hospitals, commercial and retail spaces, hotels, and public facilities, designed to support up to 60,000 residents and workers.
Located on the west side of the MIND Innovation Zone, MoLo transforms a former World Expo pavilion into a gateway complex that combines a research center, commercial spaces, and parking facilities. Designed with an open, natural, and vibrant approach, MoLo welcomes visitors entering the park and enhances their overall experience within the area.
The building stretches 170 meters in length, 50 meters in width, and rises 28.5 meters high. It comprises seven floors above ground and one underground level. Upon entering the west side of the MIND park, visitors are immediately drawn to MoLo’s lush, green, and dynamic facade. The parking structure’s five above-ground floors are adorned with greenery, which softens the building’s large scale and fosters a closer connection between the park and its visitors.
Unlike conventional designs where staircases are hidden, MAD’s design prominently features a sculptural zigzag staircase made of polished metal. This staircase interlocks and extends upward, adding a dynamic visual element that complements the building’s energetic character.
The first floor offers 3,000 square meters of commercial space, including an energy center, retail outlets, and supermarkets. The top floor is dedicated to technology laboratories and office spaces.
The building’s atrium spans from east to west on the first floor, creating a lively urban public space. This area is designed to host small-scale public events such as outdoor exhibitions, presentations, and sharing sessions. The roof above the courtyard features a floating, cloud-shaped sculpture that undulates gracefully, blurring the lines between artificial and natural elements.
Aligned with the sustainability and technological innovation goals of the MIND Innovation Zone, MoLo will be constructed using prefabricated concrete frame structures following the “Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)” methodology. This approach ensures construction accuracy and efficiency, reduces build times, and minimizes material waste.
Furthermore, the complex is being developed in strict accordance with LEED standards to meet green building objectives. The roof is equipped with photovoltaic panels covering over 5,000 square meters, providing ample renewable energy for the surrounding area.
Construction of MoLo is slated to begin in September 2022. This project marks MAD’s fourth European construction endeavor, following Paris UNIC, the FENIX Rotterdam Immigration Museum, and the Roman Courtyard.
Project Information
Type: Complex – Transportation, Learning, Office, Commercial
Base Area: 9,700 square meters
Building Area: 68,788 square meters
Height: 28.5 meters
Architectural Design: MAD Architecture Firm
Project Management: Architetto Andrea Nonni
Local Firm, Engineering, Coordination, and LEED Design: Open Project srl
Structure, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, and LEED Design: Progeca srl
Lead Partners: Ma Yansong, Party Masses, Yokosuke Hayano
Lead Vice Partner: Andrea d’Antrasi
Design Team: Romina Carpentieri, Alessandro Fisalli, Paolo Pirri, Francesco Nardacci, Aldo Schirripa Spagnolo, Francesco Pasta, Anna Spaggiari, Elena Bellocchio
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