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Corte Italia: Where sustainability meets history

COVIVIO

Innovation and Design  /  Future
COVIVIO

Corte Italia is a prestigious historical building, owned by Covivio since 2015. Once the tenant left, it was time for reflection: "what kind of new life can we breathe into this building? How can we modernize it while preserving its architectural identity?". Therefore, Covivio started a redevelopment project to reposition it with the aim of adapting it to the new office user needs, i.e. to make it more modern, functional and sustainable. The building’s location in the heart of the city, its innovative architectural design, sustainability standards and charming history undoubtedly created the conditions for this commercial success. Indeed, Covivio was able to pre-let the entire office space a few weeks after the launch of marketing.

The enhancement project has not distorted the perception of the city and the neighbouring buildings; on the contrary, it has been aimed at increasing the relationship with the surrounding urban context, which is very soft. In fact, the intervention apparently reconstructs the original building, albeit with architectural insights that have allowed for the allocation of two new floors and the creation of a series of accessory spaces that are now fundamental for current uses, such as the inner courtyard and terraces. The project will continue with the redesign of Piazza Santa Eufemia, which will be redeveloped according to contemporary accessibility standards.

Covivio is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its buildings, thus meeting the growing need for ‘green’ assets from tenants. This project aims to obtain Leed Platinum and Well Bronze certifications, through respectively energy efficiency technologies, use of renewable energy sources, sustainable use of resources and efficient management of site waste, conservation and management of water resources, actions to support sustainable mobility, comfort of workspaces, optimisation of air quality, presence of greenery and terraces, and access to natural light. The occupants' productivity is also guaranteed by obtaining Wiredscore Gold certification, proof of Covivio's willingness to invest in technological innovation to make the building more efficient, safe and connected.

With the collaboration of the Superintendency of Cultural Heritage and the Municipality of Milan, Covivio is regenerating an asset that represents a landmark in terms of quality and size in the centre of Milan, in an area in great ferment, already chosen by other leading operators to confirm its status as the emerging office area of the Milan CBD. The ambitious re-design of Corte Italia maintains the historical character of the building while introducing an innovative impetus to meet the new challenges of contemporary workplace design. The building grows upwards thanks to the addition of two new floors, the fifth and sixth, overlooking Corso Italia and Piazza Santa Eufemia. The tiled roof from the outside evokes the original roof, while from the inside it is permeable to the city. A central role in the project is reserved for the large inner courtyard, which recalls the tradiction of the Milanese aristocratic palace and which, thanks to its versatility, can accommodate events of various kinds. Originally reduced to one floor, it has been raised by the project to the roof level of the sixth floor. The glazed roofing of the central courtyard allows for considerable daylight. The project is completed by roof terraces designed as new spaces for socializing and modernizing the future workplace.

The challenge of this project was to transform the existing building with a modern design that respects its historical essence. The interior spaces have been completely reimagined to be modern and efficient, while preserving the precious historic exterior. Named after its spectacular inner courtyard, Corte Italia will welcome guests with green terraces offering exclusive views of the city center, designed for events and informal meetings.

Credits

 Milano
 Italia
 Covivio
 Confidential
 2Q 2025
 GBA 16400 m2
 Confidential
 Covivio
 Asti Architetti
 Covivio
 Costruzioni Generali Gilardi
 Asti Architetti, Arup, Manens, Sicurtecno, Greenwich, SIIS, United Consulting
 Diego De Pol

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