Milan, Symbiosis: work starts on the new Vitae building

A new addition to the Symbiosis district, in the Scalo di Porta Romana area that has been undergoing redevelopment for some time now: Covivio has announced the start of work on "Vitae", a new mixed-use building on Via Serio. Not only: a pre-letting agreement has already been signed with Fastweb - already tenant of Nexxt, the first building delivered as part of the regeneration of the Symbiosis district - for approximately 75% of the surface area.

The project, signed by the CRA - Carlo Ratti Associati studio, envisages the transformation of a currently impermeable area of about 5 thousand square metres into an eight-storey building with over 11 thousand square metres of Gla, plus about 2 thousand square metres of terraces and loggias. Alongside the offices - which represent the predominant use - services and retail are planned on the ground floor. Completion is expected by the end of 2027.

The central element of the intervention is the restitution to the district of a private square of about 3,000 square metres, which will become public, always open, with green paths, rest areas and pedestrian connections to the rest of the district. The building will also be enveloped by a green promenade that, from the base to the rooftop, will connect the terraces cultivated with vines, in a declared dialogue between architecture and nature.

"The name itself, Vitae, recalls the vitality of urban life and the strength of the vine cultivated on the building's terraces, which grows, climbs and adapts, creating a continuous dialogue between the city and nature and thus embodying the vision of a living, sustainable and shared place," say Covivio.

On the environmental front, the building aims for LEED BD+C - Core and Shell Platinum level certification, the maximum provided by the international standard. Among the design solutions: reduction of the heat island effect through light surfaces and large green portions; recovery of rainwater for irrigation and to supply the WC cisterns; water savings of more than 55% compared to the base case. On the energy side, overall savings of more than 30% are targeted thanks to an efficient envelope, high-performance systems and more than 65 kWp of photovoltaics. WELL Core level Gold certification is also planned, focusing on air quality, thermal comfort and occupant well-being.