New headquarters for the laboratories and warehouses of La Scala Theater

Milan, Italy

New headquarters for the laboratories and warehouses of La Scala Theater
Milan, Italy
competition 2022

program: design of the new laboratories and deposits of the La scala Theater and expansion of the Lambretta Park
> laboratories: 34 305 m²
> rehearsal and multipurpose rooms: 9 360 m²
> offices and services: 7 130 m²
> deposits: 1 315 m²
> utility rooms: 370 m²
> total area: 52 480 m²
client: will of the City of Milan, in agreement with the Fondazione Teatro alla Scala
Alfonso Femia / Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia
images: ©AF517 & Diorama
“Inside, a long path accompanies visitors in the phases of creation that the spaces of the Factory guard, from sculpture, scenography, costumes, through rehearsal rooms and multifunctional.” AF
The project of the new laboratories and depots for La Scala and the expansion of the Lambretta Park become an opportunity for urban regeneration. The main theme of the latter is the natural management of rainwater, with objectives such as the improvement of biodiversity, the fight against heat islands, thermal comfort and that of users, or even energy supply.
The will is to focus on the management of hydraulic risk, enhancement and re-functionalization of existing buildings, the establishment of an efficient, rational device, finally the holistic management of renewable sources, in a new natural landscape.

The Park itself is the element that physically connects the adjacent Lambretta Park. The intention is to create a public space with a strong ecological value that improves the quality of the habitat. A new spatiality that is structured through vegetation, water systems, cycle-pedestrian paths that embraces the theme of shared space. The project plans to follow the One Planet Living (WWF) approach focusing mainly on 4 principles: sustainable water management, natural habitats and biodiversity, reduction of CO2 emissions and the use of local and sustainable materials.

In particular, the functional conversion project of the Crystal Palace and the enhancement of the Water Tower, has the objective of managing water with hydraulic transparency through blue and green infrastructure: facilitating infiltration, mitigate runoff and encourage water reuse, increase shaded areas, create environments conducive to the development of urban biodiversity.

The spatial organization of the Magnifica Fabbrica develops longitudinally occupying a large part of the project area. The rational and consistent volumes in the call for tender are placed in such a way as to ensure fluidity and clarity in the flows. The spaces are flanked and protected by a reticular cover that guarantees full structural freedom and spatial flexibility. From south to north there are: hall, restaurant, multipurpose rooms, control rooms and rehearsals, the canteen for employees and laboratories with important dimensions and plant requirements, follow each other according to a precise criterion of concatenation of the great scenic machine. Inside, a long path accompanies visitors in the phases of creation that the spaces of the Factory guard, from sculpture, scenography, costumes, through rehearsal rooms and multifunctional.

As for spaces with specific needs, the Choir Rehearsal Room will have to ensure sharp sounds of the instruments, limited exposure to noise, supporting acoustics for singers, the Rehearsal Room for the Director will contain 3 isolated sets with partitions and sound-absorbing finishes to provide adequate acoustic conditions for director and actors, as regards the Multipurpose Space which will host events of various kinds, curtains/screen will be used to vary the size of the multifunctional room so as to adapt to the type of specific event.