Malerba leisure area

Varese, Italy

Malerba leisure area
Varese, Italy
2001

program: Invitational competition for the Malerba leisure area
> total area: 17 500 m2
> retail: 5 500 m2
> multiplex: 3 950 m2
> restaurants: 2 600 m2
> fitness: 1 700 m2
> parking: 21 400 m2
cliente: Milano Centrale spa
project: Alfonso Femia * with Sebastiano Brandolini
images: ©Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia
architectural model photos: ©S.Anzini
“The project intends to stress the industrial functions and structure of the area by setting-up a plain building, both considering its organization and configuration.” AF
The project intends to stress the industrial functions and structure of the area by setting-up a plain building, both considering its organization and configuration.
The project consists of two parts: the leisure centre and the car park. The leisure centre has a compact volume; its four faces correspond to different situations. The north front (facing Varese), the eastern front (facing the car park and the motorway) and the southern front (facing Milan) are mainly blind, since they contain the emergency stairs. They only have a decorative function, modulating natural light. On the other hand the western front will be expressive and clearly visible, thanks to the glazed surfaces, the wide spaces and the outline of the Multiplex, at the top floor; this front is connected to the city, maximizing the utilization of the open spaces.