Serenity, creativity and wellness: these are the strong points of the new offices of Gruppo Publicis in the building at the corner of Viale Jenner and Via Bernina, updated by the Milan-based studio D2U – Design to Users.
The renewal product has been developed and implemented by the architect Jacopo Della Fontana, a founding partner together with Corrado Caruso of D2U, with the aim of transforming a building abandoned for many years into an office complex of the new generation.
Inside the lot a large private courtyard of 5000 square meters has suggested the transformation of the building as a new organism capable of hosting the Creative Pole for the coexistence of the various brands of Gruppo Publicis, which have over 600 employees.
The facades of the building have been transformed to generate a more contemporary image, thanks to colored screen-printed films with a strong chromatic and dynamic effect.
The outdoor space has become a garden with an outdoor cafe and sports facilities, offering a space to stroll or to hold meetings amidst large magnolia trees.
The 11,000 square meters of the building contain the main agencies of the group (Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, Publicis and MSL) and other companies. To guarantee an autonomous image three separate entrances have been created, each with visibility from the outside, and with a unique look and feel on the inside.
Most of the ground level is set aside as a support space for all the agencies: lounge-cafe-restaurant, a theater for about 100 persons, meeting rooms and a daycare center.
The lower level features a gym, while the large terrace offers space for informal meetings.
The layout of the workspaces on the upper levels is based on a shared approach with a range of aesthetic variations. The organization provides possibilities for social contact and creative interaction, as well as zones for privacy, reflecting the character of each company in the group.
Photos by Roberto Benzi.
