Located on Piazza Gae Aulenti, UniCredit’s headquarters is a complex of three towers designed by the American practice Pelli Clarke Pelli. It is part of the more general regeneration of the Porta Nuova - Garibaldi area of Milan, and an example of sustainability and technology that, at the same time, also defines this revamped city district. 

Rising 231-m, the UniCredit Tower soars above the other two buildings, dominating the city skyline, one of the tallest building not only in Milan, but all of Italy.  The 32 floors of offices are used by 3,500 UniCredit Group employees. Arper’s involvement in this project was to provide two types of specifically designed chairs:  Catifa 46 and Leaf. 

The first, designed by Lievore Altherr Molina, reinterprets the Catifa 53 model, especially its versatility and flexibility. It is ideal for a wide array of uses, from offices to homes, always adding something distinctive. These chairs can also be easily customized. The Catifa 46 frame can be made in curved multilayer wood, and single color or two-color polypropylene (a new Arper patent), with leather, fabric or upholstery lining. The shaft, available in chromed steel, satin stainless steel or powder coated aluminum is available in four versions (sled, four legs, trestle and five-star swivel). The sled and four leg versions are stackable to facilitate usage and storage, making them ideal for large-scale use. Catifa 46 also comes as a stool on a sled or swivel base. At the UniCredit Tower, the Catifa 46 chairs are used for individual workstations and meeting rooms, ensuring comfort, functionality and aesthetic appeal. 

Lievore Altherr Molina also created another iconic, curve chair - Leaf - that plays with the shapes of nature. Once again, the chair is highly versatile and open to customization. Leaf is available in four versions (chair, stackable chair, lounge and day-bed) and in three colors. A polyurethane cushion can be added. Its adoption at UniCredit’s headquarters for communal areas stresses how perfect it is not only for its ease of use, but also for its natural - hence imperfect - shape that is ideal for informal settings. 

 

Arper

Via Lombardia, 16 - I - 31050 Monastier di Treviso (TV)

Tel. +39 0422 7918 - Fax +39 0422 791800

E-mail: [email protected] - www.arper.com