A Story of Urban Renewal

In Via Vezza d’Oglio, a street in the south of Milan not far from Fondazione Prada, an early 20^th century industrial site used for oxygen storage has been transformed into a multifunctional cultural space conceived by partners Francesco Sicilia, Natascia Milia, Alberto Querci, and Lorenzo Querci. The site is a 1,200 sq. m trapezoidal plaza that links three separate but interacting volumes: the Magma events area, the Scaramouche art gallery, and the Lubna bar-restaurant. The project, designed by q-bic, preserves historical elements while simultaneously embracing innovation as part of the ongoing renewal of Milan and its lifestyle. “Industrial sites are urban voids closed off to the city”, say Luca and Marco Baldini, founders of the Florence-based studio q-bic. “And this is as true when they are operational as when they shut down. They are off-limits to the public. This is why we envisioned the site as a plaza – a central place that is the exact opposite of the previous urban void. A free space where people can socialize surrounded by new businesses”.

The history of the site gradually comes into focus, revealed, for example, by the existing iron elements, which blend with the concrete to create a feeling of authenticity. Poised between past and present, the site stimulates visitors to engage with its architecture.

What was once a machine room now houses the Magma events space, a venue that, as its name suggests, was conceived as a constantly evolving space. Occupying 900 sq. m, the structure features metal pillars and unfinished walls, recalling its industrial origins. Its original roof was demolished and replaced with a more stable and functional structure. It preserves the shape of the original but has new skylights on its sloping surfaces.

Combining dining with live music, Lubna is a listening bar and restaurant created as a second Milan location of Moebius, the award-winning restaurant. A comic art theme unites the two locations, with Lubna named after the heroine of the Italian comics Ranxerox, and Moebius for the famous French comic artist. Lubna stands out for its strong visual connection with the outdoors, with an over 350 sq. m section occupying one of the existing buildings, while the other opens onto a new transparent semicircular volume that blends seamlessly with the existing structures. Extensive glazing allows plenty of natural light inside, while a concrete bench marks the visual and material transition between the plaza and the venue interior. The use of concrete as the dominant material throughout the space is a common thread running through the entire redevelopment project. Outside, a 15 m-long wall features rotating mirrored modules that, when turned 180 degrees, form a surface for screening immersive videos.

Founded in 2009 in New York and now relocated to Milan, the Scaramouche art gallery is a hub for culture and artistic expression. Scaramouche, whose name is a tribute to gallery owner Daniele Ugolini’s favorite TV series, features bright spaces and neutral tones. The venue hosts exhibitions and shows by established and emerging international artists. A private 200 sq. m loft overlooking the plaza provides space for hosting resident artists, as well as exclusive events, tastings, and show cooking.

The transformation of this industrial site into a multifunctional space went beyond simple redevelopment, embracing true urban refunctionalization, in which historical memory and contemporary innovation coexist.

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Magma, Lubna, Scaramouche | © Nathalie Krag, courtesy of q-bic

The restoration of the site went beyond a simple redevelopment. Aiming for total urban refunctionalization, it transformed the industrial site into a multifunctional space that combines historical memory with a spirit of innovation.

Magma, Lubna, Scaramouche | © Nathalie Krag, courtesy of q-bic

The Scaramouche art gallery has a reputation as an important hub for culture and contemporary art. With light-filled spaces and neutral tones, the venue is ideal for hosting exhibitions and shows by both established and emerging international artists.

Magma, Lubna, Scaramouche | © Nathalie Krag, courtesy of q-bic

Magma, Lubna, Scaramouche | © Nathalie Krag, courtesy of q-bic

With elements from the previous building, including metal pillars and unfinished walls, the Magma event space is characterized by its industrial origins.

Magma, Lubna, Scaramouche | © Nathalie Krag, courtesy of q-bic

A former industrial site in Milan has been transformed into a multifunctional cultural space, comprising three separate yet interconnected volumes: the Magma event area, the Scaramouche art gallery, and the Lubna bar and restaurant.

Magma, Lubna, Scaramouche | © Nathalie Krag, courtesy of q-bic

Outside the Lubna bar and restaurant, a 15-m wall with an array of rotating mirrored modules doubles as a screen for presenting immersive videos.

Magma, Lubna, Scaramouche | © Nathalie Krag, courtesy of q-bic

Magma, Lubna, Scaramouche | © Nathalie Krag, courtesy of q-bic

Magma, Lubna, Scaramouche | © Nathalie Krag, courtesy of q-bic

With large windows overlooking the plaza, the venue is characterized by its strong visual connection to the exterior. The use of concrete as the dominant material in the space is a key element of the entire project.

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