Area ex-Longinotti, Former industrial complex in Viale Giannotti, Florence, Italy
Area ex-Longinotti is a redeveloped 27 hectare complex with a pentagonal layout in Florence. It combines artificial stone facades with zinc roofing and contains commercial spaces, restaurants, and workshops alongside parking for over 1,100 vehicles on multiple levels.
The Longinotti company moved from Florence to Sesto Fiorentino in 1974, leaving the site abandoned for decades. Redevelopment only started in 2001, transforming the vacant industrial grounds into a mixed-use complex.
The site hosted community-led social and political activities from 1989 to 2001, drawing residents from across the city to gather and organize. This period became an important chapter in the neighborhood's identity and remains visible in how locals speak about the place today.
The area is best explored on foot, as it spreads across multiple levels with many different sections to discover. The spacious layout and network of pathways make it easy to wander and find different parts, though the size may feel overwhelming at first.
Two public squares were built into the complex, with the larger one featuring a semicircular metal-supported structure that functions as an open-air gathering space. This design creates an informal meeting point amid the commercial surroundings.
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