Commissioned by the Società Generale Immobiliare and
designed by BBPR, the Velasca Tower was completed in 1955 after 292 days of
construction. An iconic building in the heart of Milan, it is now celebrated as
a landmark of 20th-century architectural history.
In contrast to the idealism that defined Italian
architectural culture in prior decades, the Velasca Tower embodies a philosophy
of "continuity.” This approach frames architecture within an unbroken
historical narrative, reconnecting with the past to articulate a modernity that
evolves rather than disrupts.
The Velasca Tower is distinctly contemporary in its
scale (rising 106 meters), materials (reinforced concrete), and
multifunctionality (housing offices, residences, and commercial spaces). Yet,
it seeks to evoke the "atmosphere” of Milan by engaging in dialogue with the
city’s historic fabric.
Few architectural projects have sparked as much debate
as the Velasca Tower, and though often criticized, it nevertheless holds
undeniable historical significance. The building encapsulates the dual identity
of Milan’s post-war commercial and cultural rebirth, balancing local tradition
with cosmopolitan ambition.
Within a restoration plan developed by Hines—a global company
specializing in real estate investment, development, and management—the
Milanese tower has been transformed into a striking luminous installation. Conceived
by the lighting design team at ESA Engineering, the project aims to enhance the
tower’s prominence in the city’s nighttime skyline, while respecting its
architectural and historical significance.
A perfect visual balance was achieved through soft illumination
of the entire structure, uniform lighting on the overhang of the eighteenth
floor, and detailed accents that emphasize the vertical ribs, drawing the eye
upward to the copper-clad roof where the effect culminates.
The tower now features a static, everyday lighting
scheme with subdued levels that harmonize with the surrounding urban
environment and prioritize environmental sustainability. In contrast, dynamic
lighting displays have been designed for Christmas celebrations and could be
used for future special occasions. These displays aim to give the tower an
active role in engaging with the city, using captivating effects to create an
emotional connection with observers.
The impressive final result was achieved through the
installation of over 200 lighting fixtures and required the involvement of
approximately 40 skilled professionals. To achieve the required soft, uniform
lighting across the entire structure of the tower, 30 CAPITAL 300 in 3000K warm white color temperature, equipped with spot, medium, or wide optics,
were installed in groups of three on dedicated poles positioned around the
structure.
Additionally, 80 CAPITAL 100 units with ultra-spot
optics in the same warm white light were installed in pairs at the base of the
support ribs encircling the upper part of the tower. These provide dynamic
accents that highlight these unique architectural features at night. Where
necessary, the luminaires were fitted with dedicated visors to prevent
unpleasant glare. A custom RAL finish was applied to ensure a perfect match
with the colour of the walls.
Regardless of its undeniable impact on the Milan
skyline, the intervention on the Velasca Tower, as part of a broader permanent
lighting project that also includes the adjacent square, ensures that this
iconic structure stands out while maintaining the utmost respect for its
architectural significance and historic value.
The requalification of the Velasca Tower is overseen
by Asti Architetti studio, in collaboration with ARS Aedificandi, CEAS
studio, ESA Engineering, and in continuous consultation with the Milan
Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape Authority.
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Foto © Albo - Courtesy Hines Italy 
Foto © Albo - Courtesy Hines Italy 
Foto © Albo - Courtesy Hines Italy 
Foto © Albo - Courtesy Hines Italy 
Foto © Albo - Courtesy Hines Italy 
Foto © Albo - Courtesy Hines Italy 
