The project involved the conservation and refurbishment of the complex, with the aim of enhancing the quality of the urban environment and enriching the social and environmental fabric of the local area. The main challenge was to make the complex accessible, navigable and safe once again.

Following a careful analysis of the existing structures and detailed design work, we decided to retain the existing building, equipping it with the necessary features to meet current regulatory requirements for accessibility and safety. At the same time, we designed a new enclosure that would blend harmoniously with the existing structure. This approach allowed us to achieve several benefits: significant savings on demolition costs, streamlined construction operations, and the creation of a new, contemporary and resilient building envelope. Our aim was to enhance the history and value of the existing building, without altering its original essence.

The extension of the building, constructed directly onto the existing structure, represents a harmonious combination of new and old elements. Instead of a purely conservative restoration, we chose to intervene by highlighting the existing architectural façades, ensuring uninterrupted stylistic and material continuity. The solution that seemed most appropriate to us was to focus on the staircase, the element connecting the various spaces. We have enhanced its function with a transparent enclosure, created using a continuous structural glass façade, which reflects the existing façades, creating a visual dialogue between the new and the old. The design of the outdoor space allowed us not only to integrate the building services without them being too obtrusive, but also to create an open, accessible space for the community—one that is more spacious and green. With this project, we sought to breathe new life into the former Cottolengo complex, preserving its historical identity whilst adapting it to contemporary needs, and offering the community a valuable, revitalised space.