Describe what CityLife stands for? Sustainability, quality of life, services: these are the key-words that describe CityLife. At completion, it will compromise a park, which will be the third 'green lung' in Milan, and will include a balanced mix of private and public functions including: residences, offices, shops and services, green areas, public spaces, and a crèche. The new Residences, designed by Zaha Hadid via Senofonte, Milano, and those designed by Daniel Libeskind via Spinola, Milano, offer a novel quality of living. The two residential compounds are differentiated by their distinct architectural styles, but share some innovative and prestigious features: high efficiency and ensured comfort and safety. At the heart of Citylife there will be the Business & Shopping District, which includes the Three Towers, representing a strong symbol of the transformation. It will also include a vast shopping area that offers a varied and complete range of restaurants, cafés, shops, and services. The area is connected to the rest of the city by the new lilac Metro 5 line, with the Tre Torri station situated in the center of the CityLife Business & Shopping District.
CityLife Park (168,000 m²) is the first development of its kind to be built in the city of Milan since the 19th century. The first 25,000 m² was opened to the public in 2013, followed by a second 33,000 m² portion which was completed by the end of January 2015, including the restored fountain Quattro Stagioni and the green area in front of Viale Cassiodoro. In October 2014 a golf driving range was also opened. CityLife will be the most extensive pedestrian area in Milan, thanks to the decision to divert all vehicular traffic, and underground parking.
What is the role of sustainability in the redevelopment project? Sustainability is one of the keywords that best describes CityLife. In fact, all of the residential compounds are certified Class A for energy consumption and extensively use renewable energy sources, including: photovoltaic panels and district heating. The choice of insulation guarantees high-energy performance, while respecting the environment. Furthermore, the three towers are environmentally sustainable, designed for maximum efficiency and the maximum control of energy costs and have already obtained LEED pre-certification Gold ratings.
What makes CityLife unique? CityLife is a balanced mix of private and public functions and the three architects who have designed the residential compounds and the towers - Arata Isozaki, Zaha Hadid and Daniel Libeskind – make this area a symbol of excellence in design.
When the area is completed, the business and service district will count a shopping area with luxury shops, a cinema and restaurant facing the public park. The area will also be connected to the rest of the city through the lilac Metro 5 with a stop in the center of the CityLife Business and Shopping District.
Nowadays, redevelopments of former industrial zones are occurring in many metropolitan cities. Do you think it will be a new industry trend in real estate? The renovation of former industrial zones has been a trend in real estate with many examples across the main European cities. CityLife, with an overall area of 366,000 m², is one of the largest redevelopment projects in Europe. The feature that makes CityLife unique among other big projects in Europe is its downtown location. It will certainly be the last greatest redevelopment in Milan downtown.
How do you envision the city of the future? CityLife conveys the city of the future with its focus on: respecting the environment, sustainability, but also modernity, technology and its vertical development (which includes its three new towers) that will permanently change the Milanese skyline.
About CityLife
CityLife is the company engaged in the redevelopment of the area where Milan’s old complex of exhibition halls was located (Fiera di Milano). With an overall area of 366,000 m², it is one of the largest redevelopment projects in Europe. The project is designed by internationallyfamous architects Zaha Hadid, Arata Isozaki and Daniel Libeskind. It includes residences, offices (130,000 m² GLA), about 100 shops and services (30,000 m² GLA) and a 170,000 m² park.
