The Feltrinelli Fondation’s new building in the district of Porta Volta is a great example of how a positive social impact project can revitalise a neglected neighborhood and bring innovation through a combined architectural and urban solution.

Designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, the modern glass building appears naked, like a skeleton where structure, space and façade coincide. The building’s minimalism brings to mind Milan’s medieval and gothic tradition, whereas the long stretched structure and repetitive window pattern echoes the region’s more rural Cascina architecture.

A third of the building is dedicated to the Giacommo Feltrinelli Fondation which combines the publishing group’s public bookshop and coffee shop, multipurpose hall for events and outstanding library compromised of more than 1.5 million archival items on historical, political, economic and social sciences matters. The Foundation is not only a place of study, research and conservation it prides itself in offering innovative educational and cultural activities such as exhibitions, conferences, plays, film screenings and concerts.

The rest of the building is occupied by Microsoft Italy and acts as their headquarters. Unlike most offices, three floors are open to the public: the ground floor, an open showroom showcasing Microsoft’s latest technologies, the first floor which houses the Microsoft Technology centre, an experiential centre for companies, startups and professionals to share ideas and discuss innovation and the Digital Classroom floor which provides a multimedia environment for students and teachers to learn about the latest education technologies. The rest of the building is allocated to Microsoft employees and combines open plan workstations with different areas designed for various workflows.

The ground on which the The Feltrinelli & Microsoft House is built used to be a wasteland and hadn’t been touched since the Second World War when Milan was severely bombed. Today the project is not only revitalizing the Porta Vera district, it is also honouring Milan’s past heritage, with the conservation of the former 16th century gate built during the Spanish occupation.