"Architecture is always a temporary answer to a temporary need." If we embrace this statement by economist Sabine Oberhuber and architect Thomas Rau (in 2038), we must approach design differently and take responsibility for the future reuse of all components.
The concept of life-cycle is often overlooked in the fast-paced world of fashion. Typically, a store is designed to last only three to seven years, depending on the segment. This approach influences the design and construction methods, where layers of plasterboard, paint, and flooring are added over time, pushing the responsibility onto future generations. This fast and resource-intensive approach extends to all objects and fixtures in the store, from shelves to rails, tables, and displays. Everything that is valued and seen today will soon be demolished, despite nothing changing except our cultural perception of what is considered trash.
To challenge this paradigm, the redesign of Trussardi alla Scala (TAS), a listed building in the heart of Milan, introduces a renovation plan that addresses both space and time.
Firstly, the project focuses on the building itself by stripping away the layers accumulated over the years, revealing and preserving the original structure. A new layer of locally sourced clay is applied as a protective and fire-regulating coating to the concrete perimeter columns and central core. This 100% biodegradable material can be easily returned to its source in case of future renovations. Other original building elements, such as the steel frame windows, terrazzo flooring, and glass pavilion, have been exposed and carefully maintained.
Secondly, the project forsees the return and reusability of all objects and elements. Everything is designed and produced under the agreement of being returned and reused to the architects. Following the motto: if you don’t want to get back trash, don’t produce trash in the first place.
An integral feature of the design is the large diagonal mirror wall that separates the retail and gastronomy areas. Intersecting with the existing building, it creates triangular compartments to accommodate different functions. A passage with double-height shelves connects the retail area to the bar and cafe, and a mirrored door allows for the passage to be closed, completing the mirror reflection and transforming the retail space into an event venue.
Innovative lighting solutions are incorporated by utilizing the existing interior steel columns to hold the main light source. Vertical light columns made of individual glass tubes, sourced and produced locally in collaboration with Italian light planners b612, are mounted with simple ring holders and brackets without the need for gluing. The suspended technical ceiling consists of removable magnetic mesh panels.
Complementing objects such as rails, shelves, cylinders, and displays follow the same approach, designed and manufactured with reusability in mind. Collaborating with Thorben Gröbel, made by Ertl&Zull with Marta Dyachenko, these objects adapt and repurpose existing and old parts. With a focus on minimal material usage, the stools and displays are crafted from recycled car seats, sourced from the secondary market.
© Federico Torra
© Federico Torra
© Federico Torra
© Federico Torra
Projected Clay Columns © Federico Torra
Bar and Café © Federico Torra
Glas Pavilion © Federico Torra