NEW MILAN TRADE FAIR – RHO/PERO

The enormous quantity of covered and open areas that a project of such scale requires, despite of the  relatively little available area, is the main factor which make so difficult and tricky the plan definition of the new external pole of the Milan Fair Centre.
The planned organization of large exhibition halls along the two sides of a connective axis, oriented east-west, seems to be optimal. This kind of  spaces organization is clearly dictated by the economic, quantitative, functional and logistical conditions adopted by the Fair and also in consequence of the objective and severe infrastructure constraints imposed by the size and shape of the selected area.

The redesign of the halls, their organization along a equipped hanging Boulevard, finished at the end with the two trees-lined bastions of the east and west doors, impact, in the first instance, on  the perception of the new pole outside its environmental scale.
From cars, trains and - given its size - even from airplanes, it is perceived as a memorable landmark.
By day under the sky’s reflection, by night underlined thanks to a smart light design, it’s nervous and wavy profile, extended for over a kilometer, becomes an expression of energy, dynamism and weightlessness. An invitation to participate, a discrete promise of welfare and opportunity, far from the slightly aggressive arrogance of the international style’s mega-structures.
 

COMPETITION: 2002
         
Architect
Mario Bellini Architects

Design Team
Mario Bellini. With Giovanni Cappelletti, Carlo Malnati and Loretto Buti

Project Team
Giovanni Cappelletti (project architect). With Maurizio Di Lauro, Leonardo Nava, Geovanna Maschio, Alessandro Zufferli

Consultants
General Consultant:  
Marek Nester Piotrowski
General Coordination:  
Fiat Engineering S.p.a, Torino
3D Model and Immages:
Stack Studio, Siena    
Model:    
Luigi Morellato, Milano