CoFactory Designtech: an innovation hub in the Milano Certosa District

Pininfarina Architecture oversaw the CoFactory Designtech project, Italy’s first hub dedicated to digital manufacturing and prefabrication, and part of a larger urban regeneration project developed by RealStep in the Milano Certosa District, an area with a rich industrial heritage.

The space, which occupies the warehouse of the former Koelliker factory, has been transformed into an innovation hub, becoming a point of reference for a community of construction industry innovators who work at the local, regional, national, and European levels.

 

CoFactory Designtech: the importance of color

The redevelopment of the former industrial building involved an area of 1500 m² on two floors. At ground level, there’s a large space with the dual function of housing a state-of-the-art industrial laboratory, equipped with numerically controlled machines and tools for rapid prototyping, as well as hosting the main breakout area. Around this section are laboratories, offices, meeting rooms, and coworking areas at both ground level and on the mezzanine floor, which is accessed via a timber staircase that doubles as event seating.

All these different spaces feature bright colors, with each room distinguished by a different shade. This adds a touch of liveliness to the interior of the building while also creating an appealing contrast with the typical gray of industrial areas. Each room has large windows that overlook the spacious central space. This makes it possible to see the colors of the office surfaces even from the floor below, therefore strengthening the sense of community and sharing. Services have been left exposed in memory of the building’s industrial past and to underscore the significance of reusing the building.

Aesthetics and functionality

In designing CoFactory, Pininfarina applied its Beauty + Technology = Impact philosophy, focusing on combining aesthetics and functionality. The project stands out for its intelligent construction approach, with prefabricated modular components assembled on site to reduce both construction times and waste materials.

The architects gave particular attention to the quality of the workspaces, especially in terms of natural lighting and air quality, both of which were achieved with skylights, which expand the volumes and create a dialogue between inside and out. The choice of furnishings centered on wellbeing and ergonomic materials.

 

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