In June, RIBA Europe organised an exclusive two day tour and workshop event where RIBA Members and all those interested in architecture were invited to visit the recently redeveloped and renovated Radisson Santa Sofia and Palazzo Touring Club Milan Hotels designed by Studio Marco Piva.

Day one: New campus for Bocconi University

Commencing the tour in Milan, the first stop was the prestigious Bocconi University, renowned not only for its academic excellence but also for its architectural significance. Approximately twenty RIBA Members joined the guided tour of the campus, where the historical and contemporary sides of the university were explored.

Designed by SANAA Architects with the local contribution of Progetto CMR, the newly built urban campus for Bocconi University is located on a large site close to the city centre of Milan. The project comprises of several buildings, each with its own program: the teaching and administration building (a number of interconnected cells), dormitories, and a recreation centre. These buildings sit in a new park that is open to the university population and the general public to enjoy.

The Bocconi University headquarters were built in 1937 and designed by Architect Giuseppe Pagano. This building is a testament to his architectural genius. Pagano's story is both inspiring and tragic. Initially a fascist, he later became a resistance fighter during World War II. Due to his beliefs and actions, he was sent to a concentration camp, where he tragically died in 1945.

His legacy, however, lives on through his architectural works. Many of the newer buildings on the campus have been designed in a style that pays homage to Pagano, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for his contributions.

During the lecture, Stefano Finazzi and Andrea Dallavalle from Progetto CMR shared their insights on the execution of this complex project. They discussed the challenges of working with a building that has no 90-degree angles, including the innovative solutions they employed, such as sourcing curved whiteboards for the classrooms and creating a 'false' curved door in front of the fire door to maintain the aesthetic integrity.

The tour concluded with a guided lecture on the new urban campus, a beautiful cluster of buildings designed by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA, in collaboration with Progetto CMR. The attention to detail in these buildings is truly remarkable.

The visit was supported by Progetto CMR.

Day two: Viewing tour of Radisson Santa Sofia and Palazzo Touring Club Milan Hotels

The second day comprised of a tour of two recently renovated hotels in Milan, Santa Sofia Milan and the Palazzo Touring Club Milan, both part of the Radisson Hotel Group. These renovations were masterfully executed by Studio Marco Piva, showcasing the beauty and historical significance of the original buildings.

The Santa Sofia Milan Hotel exudes modern elegance while preserving its historical charm. However, the true highlight was the Palazzo Touring Club Milan Hotel.

This hotel continues to tell the story of its original occupants, the Touring Club Italiano. The attention to detail is evident throughout the hotel, particularly in the bar area, where hats collected from around the world by the Touring Club owners are proudly displayed. This thoughtful touch adds a personal and historical dimension to the hotel's ambiance.

What is the house of your dreams?

For the afternoon session of day two, RIBA Europe held a drawing workshop in collaboration with Fondazione Progetto Arca Onlus.

The architectural workshop engaged young migrants, mainly from Egypt, to sketch the house of their dreams or a building that would encapsulate their passions.

During the workshop, RIBA Europe discussed the role of architects in the built environment, the tools they use, and how architectural principles can be applied in various scenarios. This workshop was a heart warming and educational experience, bringing together refugee children to explore architecture within their context.

The children were then encouraged to take this knowledge and sketch a 'place that mattered to them.' The results were extraordinary. The creativity, thoughtfulness, and inspiration were evident in their drawings left us wondering how many of these talented young individuals might pursue a career in architecture and design in the future.

This workshop was not only a learning experience for the youth but also a profoundly moving one for all the participants. Seeing the enthusiasm and the unique perspectives they brought to their drawings was truly inspiring.

The drawings created during the workshop were exhibited at 66 Portland Place, London, in June as part of Refugee Week. This exhibition was a celebration of the young people's creativity and a poignant reminder of the importance of providing opportunities for all individuals - regardless of their background - to explore and develop their talents.

Fondazione Progetto Arca Onlus, a Milan-based NGO, has been committed to providing assistance to those in severe poverty and social marginalisation for over 30 years. Their work encompasses helping homeless people, families in economic and housing emergencies, individuals with addiction problems, and migrants fleeing war and poverty.

These tours and workshop events were a resounding success, filled with enriching experiences and meaningful interactions.

From exploring the architectural marvels of University Bocconi, the insightful lectures by Progetto CMR, to beautifully renovated hotels and inspiring youth workshops. Every moment was testament to the power of architecture by connecting people and telling stories.

As we move forward, we are excited about the future of RIBA Europe and the opportunities that lie ahead. The dedication and hard work of our team have brought us closer to becoming a recognised chapter, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with everyone.

The RIBA Europe team has road mapped an action plan to becoming a chapter and boosting RIBA initiatives. The team has diligently worked behind the scenes and are on track to submit chapter registration early next year. Pending approval and registration of RIBA Europe Chapter, there will be an open event celebrating its launch. Details will be shared as they become available.

Stay tuned for more updates and details about our upcoming events. We are grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm as we embark on this exciting journey together.

Find out more

To find out more about our events, opportunities, and resources for members in Europe visit the RIBA Europe page or follow RIBA Europe on LinkedIn.

Earlier in 2024, the RIBA Europe team explored Paris and delved into the historic architecture.