Competition “Il Bosco della Musica”, New Headquarters of the Milan Conservatory, Rogoredo/Santa Giulia Distric

The new architectural complex gradually integrates into the neighborhood, transitioning from more public functions to more private ones. From the Auditorium, one moves to the canteen, to the educational areas, and finally to the student residence.

The project envisions a complex of buildings embedded in the ground and "covered" by a layer of earth, whose undulating form generates new functional spaces below and a new public park above. In addition to the main concert hall, the complex includes secondary rehearsal rooms, a cafeteria, educational facilities, a student residence, and communal areas for socializing and studying/working, open to the city.

The structural concept has been developed as a coherent system aligned with the overall design philosophy. Among the many possible choices and alternatives, a holistic approach was adopted, grounded in a deep understanding of system efficiency. Efficiency is not merely defined as the ratio of [allowable stress] to [material weight] within a specific structural layout, but rather takes into account a broad range of parameters—from structural mechanics to building physics, from transportation and installation procedures to overall energy consumption and recyclability.
Key design drivers include:
• sustainability
• cost-effectiveness
• maximum flexibility in space planning
• minimization of structural dimensions' impact
• a structural system fully integrated into the architectural language (combining rationality and expressiveness)

The standard grid is 9x9 meters, with a few exceptions, ensuring maximum flexibility of interior spaces and allowing for future reuse or change of function—an essential factor in the project's overall sustainability.

Exceptions in terms of loads and spans are managed by increasing the depth of the main beams and the spacing of the joists in the secondary system, all within a unified construction method. This system is highly prefabricated, easily demountable, fully recyclable, and based on steel beams and wood panel slabs with composite topping.

From a functional requirements standpoint, the design is governed by the following key aspects:
• limits on horizontal deformation under wind and seismic loads
• natural horizontal frequencies as indicators of indoor comfort and wind/seismic response
• deflection limits of floor structures to ensure compatibility with high-end interior finishes (flooring, walls, ceilings, etc.)
• vibration control of floor systems to ensure comfort
• flexibility in the layout of interior spaces
• flexibility for routing of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems

All of the above is integrated into the core set of requirements that define the primary role of the structural system:
• stability and strength
• robustness
• durability
• constructability