Palazzo Bocconi, Modern university building at Viale Bligny, Milan, Italy

The Roentgen Building is a Bocconi University building at the corner of Via Guglielmo Röntgen and Viale Bligny in Milan, designed by Grafton Architects and opened on 31 October 2008. Its office blocks are suspended on pairs of reinforced-concrete walls about 40 cm thick, which carry prestressed beams spanning up to 24 m; steel tie rods hang the floors from them. The street fronts are clad in ceppo di Gré stone, while glazed courtyards light the interior.

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 facades along Via Röntgen and Viale Bligny are clad in ceppo di Gré, a Lombard stone used in many Milanese buildings. Grafton Architects chose it to give the walls depth and material continuity with the city's construction tradition. The massive stone fronts contrast with the large glazing facing the inner courtyards.