FLORENTINE BANK COMPETITION

The competition (by invitation) area is located along the north-western axis of development.
The Area Plan allows for an urban layout of medium to small-sized blocks, with buildings of limited height aligned along the roadside with fairly compact walled enclosures.
According to the request to “…blend the new image of the Administrative Headquarters with that of historic Florence, marrying the concepts of continuity of tradition with the innovative concepts of a project for the future of a great and dynamic international bank”,  the project is based on two semantic nuclei:

The first nucleus originates within and radiates outwards according to fractal perimeters generated by the energy nucleus of the “star-shaped garden”, informing all the buildings around the perimeter and delineating an “amphitheatre” of glass steps which dilates and crowns the perception of “freedom” and the “public” significance of the garden-square.

The second nucleus is the facade overlooking the city. Sandstone walls enclose the three external sides of the “buildings” whose proportions, with the glass cornices and rhythmic spacing of the windows recalls the palaces of historic Florence albeit with a levity that is utterly contemporary.

Design Team
Competition: Mario Bellini, Masahiro Matsuno

Collaborators
Competition: Alessandro Zufferli, Antonio Bergamasco, Mauro Carretta, Thilo De Gregorio

Consultants
Structural Design: GPA Ingegneria Srl (PO)