Project Features
Towers and elevated square
The centre comprises four polygonal reinforced concrete tower blocks, each 11 storeys high, resting on a large three-level underground base housing archives, parking and technical rooms. The towers are connected by a wide central square and linked at height by a network of covered walkways made of reinforced concrete and glass. Within each tower, the solid volumes –connected by large continuous façades – host vertical circulation systems and technical service shafts, framing a large open space that allows maximum flexibility in interior layouts.
Massive foundations and reinforced slabs
With 46 m above ground and 11 m below, this is one of the most significant buildings undertaken by Studio A. Ferraresi – AF Engineering, requiring the preparation of as many as 426 drawings. The strong articulation in plan and elevation demanded a detailed analysis of geotechnical and structural issues, leading to the adoption of a sophisticated foundation system, with inverted beams and cast-in-place reinforced concrete slabs. The execution of the two reinforced concrete towers of Building A was particularly challenging, as they support the metal beams of the entrance portal, which in turn carry the loads of the upper floors. The slabs are designed to sustain accidental loads ranging from 500 to 1,000 kg/sq m in the archive areas.
Carefully calibrated cable tension
Another noteworthy aspect is the series of post-tensioned reinforced concrete walkways located 14 m above ground, which required very careful design because they are trapezoidal in plan with sides requiring different cable tensions. This leads to different rates of thermal expansion and potential differential movements, so measures were taken to prevent any risk of cracking in the decks.
