Progetto CMR dealt with the redevelopment of the entire building, both externally and internally, with the specific aim of giving the former Palazzo del Credito Fondiario Fonspa, dating back to the 1960s, a new iconic image, in line with the existing one while also representing the future tenant as closely as possible.
The redevelopment kicked off with the façade, enhancing its design - in line with the original project - by inserting external slats and panels to optimise the building’s energy performance.
The project involved an example of modernist architecture, built in the 1960s by the architect Giulio Sterbini and listed by the Roman authorities.
At the specific request of the current owners of the building, i.e. that of renewing its overall image, a careful project was developed involving the balanced use of existing and new elements, resulting in a façade that remains true to its origins, while presenting a lighter, more dynamic image.
The South, South-West and South-East façades required the greatest work, involving the application of sun-shading systems to preserve the composition of the façades yet calibrate the distribution of natural light inside the building, thus ensuring greater light and thermal comfort and reducing the consumption of energy for cooling purposes. Moreover, heat-insulating panels were inserted horizontally along the façade, emphasising even more the play of horizontal and vertical lines inherent in Sterbini's architectural design.
Work was also done on the highest part of the building, where a continuous glass façade was added to the eighth and ninth floors, thus making the building look lighter and more ethereal.
This significant work on the exteriors has also improved the office interiors and made this architectural complex more innovative, yet always remaining true to its roots.
The choices concerning the inside of the building were developed step by step, right from the start, alongside the user, PwC, so as to try to understand their needs, their way of working, and the desires of those who live the space for many hours a day.
Thinking therefore of PwC, a complex company with diversified activities, it was decided to design a flexible, rational, efficient site capable of communicating the company’s identity and values.
We used the Office Space Planning method to first define a planning grid deriving from the constraints imposed by the building: the structural pitch and the façade module.
Within this planning grid, different functional types were studied: four operational and six for support activities.
Contemporary offices are making increasing use of spaces for shared activities, which significantly contributes to improving the work experience.
The office is no longer just a working space but also a living place, one where workers can carry out various activities and where improved work performance goes hand in hand with improved living conditions and greater well-being.
Inducing change through the use of space and the opportunities it offers is a key factor, and in this sense we can safely say that design is a driver of change.
For the interiors, the design intent led us to create elegant yet lively spaces with a strong contemporary personality; spaces where the values and image of PWC are clearly recognisable.
The spaces are defined by the use of black and white, set alongside the company's corporate colours in striking shades and shapes. The result is a chromatic alchemy that ranges from cold to warm colours, suitably dosed to ensure a pleasant and never tiring work environment.
The all-black central nucleus, marked by the chromatic succession of the portals, is a distinguishing feature of the design on all the floors.
The rooms are bright and clear, and every corner is used to support and optimise different working needs, such as informal meetings, touch downs and phone booths highlighted by coloured inserts on the floor.
The joint results of all the solutions implemented in this project, combined also with the care and attention paid during the entire construction phase (100% of waste was recycled), have allowed the building in Via Colombo 80 to obtain two certifications: the LEED BD+C (Building Design & Construction) certification, with a Gold target, and the BREEAM certification in the Refurbishment & Fit Out category, with a Very Good target.
