Palazzo Bocconi, Modern university building at Viale Bligny, Milan, Italy
Palazzo Bocconi is a university building on Viale Bligny in Milan that stands out for its distinctive structural system: suspended floors hang from steel cables anchored to massive roof beams, creating unobstructed interior spaces. This design allows flexible layouts for eight academic departments, eight research centers, and four laboratories.
The structure was built following a design competition organized by the university in 2001, which was won by Grafton Architects. Completed in 2008, it emerged from this competitive process with an innovative construction approach that reflects rationalist architectural principles.
The main foyer opens toward Milan's streets through expansive glass panels, allowing students and visitors to see university life as part of the city's rhythm. This transparency creates a sense of connection between academic work and the urban environment around it.
The building is open during university operating hours, and the extensive glass walls allow visitors to view the interior activities clearly. A daytime visit is best to appreciate the full architectural effect of the open spaces and natural lighting throughout the structure.
The exterior is clad in a stone material sourced from ancient riverbeds that flowed into Lake Iseo, chosen for its unusual hardness and distinctive color. This choice of local stone creates a visual link between the building and the geology of northern Italy.
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