CityLife is one of the largest redevelopment projects in Europe, covering an area of , m. Located in a prestigious area of Milan, only a short distance from the Duomo, CityLife currently consists of three iconic towers surrounded by a green public realm. While an international design competition asked for a new tower on the site, BIG took the opportunity to explore a different typology for the city.
The BIG Pin is designed for the warm, arid climate of the Arizonian desert. The concrete mass of the structure acts as energy storage; heat is absorbed during the day and slowly released during the night to offset the active cooling needs. The perimeter balconies provide the visitors with cooling shade and wide views, minimizing direct sunlight exposure, while also allowing for the clearest possible glass façades.
The new building would provide the physical environment for collaboration and idea sharing through the internal mix of open workplaces, amenities and informal meeting spaces. Large stairwells between the floors form cascading double-height communal spaces throughout the headquarters. These continuous spaces enhance connectivity between different departments and amenities, which may include basketball courts, a running track, a cafeteria and screening rooms. The amenity floors are located so they can feed directly out onto the roof top parks.
The , sq ft campus includes a new building and ceremonial courtyard, as well as the potential renovation of existing historical buildings. BIG’s competition proposal, developed in collaboration with landscape architects Olin Studio and digital media agency Squint/Opera, seeks to reflect the historical context of the Navy Yard, while referencing the scale, materials and details of Navy vessels. An array of large-scale vitrines open up towards a public street, welcoming visitors and locals with an impressive glimpse into the museums collection of artifacts inside and outside, conveying the mission, lineage and breadth of operations that constitutes the US Navy.
The wooden Panda figure for ARCHITECTMADE is designed for BIGs Panda House at Copenhagen Zoo. The new habitat for two giant pandas was created in the yin-yang symbol, based on the Chinese philosophy for balance and opposition within a simple shape. The Panda mimics this simplicity, with the rotation of the upper body and movability of the arms and legs. The Panda figure is available in large or small size.