Banca Ifis headquarters | One Works

Milan / Italy / 2022

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One Works, in collaboration with RBS Design Group, DEERNS and Paisà, have completed the project for the new Banca Ifis headquarters – one of Italy’s leading financial firms specialized in business credit services and solutions and acquisition and management of non-performing loan portfolios. Focusing on the historical identity of the building and a strong vision of the future, the new offices interpret the Banca Ifis brand through a range elegant characteristics and sustainable elements, including a dramatic 260sqm green wall façade.


Sitting in the heart of Milano, next to the Porta Venezia Gardens, the new headquarters is the result of a deep retrofit process of the existing 1950’s building with the aim of adapting it to the best international standards of safety and energy efficiency, while respecting the environment. The presence of the building within the urban block has been redefined with a 260m² green wall, one of the largest in Milan, presenting characteristics that are reflective of the Banca Ifis brand. Comprising 30 types of plants, shrubs, flowers, and herbs that emphasize the seasonal colors, the wall generates a beautiful natural environment within an otherwise harsh urban environment, while supporting the reduction of carbon emissions.


With a total area of approx. 4,000m² across six floors, the elegant new office hosts over 340 flexible workspaces, exhibition facilities, training and recreation areas with four multifunctional four multi-functional terraces referred to us the green lungs of the workspace. These new green spaces, seen as a new workplace concept, go beyond their primary function of workspace to becoming a place to live, collaborate, exchange ideas, and relax. 


"The interior spaces of the new Banca Ifis headquarters marry a concept of a flexible and dynamic workplace, where innovation and sustainability create the perfect habitat for a new approach to work. The interiors have been designed to represent the company's values and identity that is oriented towards innovation and the future, but also to its historical origins” said Leonardo Cavalli, Managing Partner of One Works. “Key drivers of the project are the result of a process of interaction and organizational analysis, where people are at the center and the space reflects – thanks to the joint work with RBS Group – comfort, technology, flexibility with very high-quality standards. While externally, with one of the largest green walls in Milan, the building fits into the urban block like a green lung, becoming an integral part of the sphere of life not only of employees but also of citizens"


Between historical identity and future vision, the project interprets the new headquarters of Banca Ifis through strong characterizing and sustainable elements, while carefully preserving and enhancing the architectural features of the historic building. This is an approach – redevelopment and retrofitting the existing – that is particularly dear to One Works, which has curated important urban regeneration projects, focusing on the role that architecture can and must have in redefining the face of the contemporary city by stitching together the urban fabric and revisiting parts of the historical city.


Sensitive transformation of a standard office building in the center of Milan to create a new efficient, contemporary, and bespoke workspace that is reflective of the Banca Ifis brand - one of Italy’s most prestigious commercial and corporate banking firms.


Whilst carefully preserving and enhancing the building's architectural features, the elegant new LEED Certified office boasts a thriving 260sgm green wall, one of the largest in Milan, to radically transform its presence within the urban block. Internally, the contemporary office now provides a new welcoming lobby area, 300 flexible workspaces, exhibition and training facilities, recreation areas for yoga and other sports, as well as four multi-functional terraces referred to as the green lungs of the office space.


Following the decision for Banca Ifis to redesign their Corporate Identity, the decision was also made to refurbish over 30 Italian locations to reflect this new identity. One Works, together with RBS Group, DEERNS and Paisà, were appointed for the first of these refurbishments with the delicate transformation of their Corporate Headquarters in Milan, a standard linear building located on a narrow street and constructed in the 1950’s.


 


OUR APPROACH


The existing street façade has been fully restored and enhanced, whilst the side façade has been completely redesigned to become the building’s new main façade, featuring a new 260sgm green wall that is reflective of the client's sustainability principles. Comprising 30 types of plants, shrubs, flowers, and herbs that emphasize the seasonal colors, the wall generates a beautiful natural environment within an otherwise harsh urban environment, while supporting the reduction of carbon emissions. In addition, the new entrance lobby have been carefully re-designed as part of the building architecture to help softly transition visitors and staff from the classic urban outdoor environment to the more intimate and articulated interior space.


Careful analysis of space planning and interior design developments, together with RBSGroup, have ensured that the new headquarters has exceeded the client’s needs and expectations of a forward-thinking and contemporary workspace, as well as a series of spaces that reflect the values and aspirations of Banca Ifis. In addition to the well-planned and flexible workspaces to support the growing needs of 300 staff, the new contemporary office building also features exhibition and training facilities, coffee break-out areas, recreation areas for yoga, and four multi-functional terraces.


SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS


The new office has also been designed to achieve a LEED Certification and introduces a series of improvements in relation to sustainability, environmental quality, natural lighting, comfort, and wellbeing. This sustainable approach was taken from the very beginning design stages, right through to construction, with great attention given to energy and water-saving features, a reduction of CO2 emissions, as well as the use of eco-compatible materials and energy sources.


To achieve these high international standards in energy and environmental design, designer furniture and fittings were only sourced from short supply chains and local companies, and 100% of the building's energy requirements are produced from renewable energy sources and materials. A state-of the-art photovoltaic system has been positioned on the roof, while LED lighting with reduced densities and presence and brightness sensors guarantees the optimization of consumption. In addition, most elements of the existing building were retained, restored, and reused and new materials used during the renovation have high sustainability credentials with EPD Certification (materials with high recycled content) and low VOC emissions including paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants.


Innovative green solutions also include the use of Airlite paint used in indoor spaces, which is designed to purify the air from pollution and bacteria, as if people were breathing in 2,650 m2 of forest, or low-flow sanitary equipment that allows a 37% reduction in drinking water consumption. Further supporting Banca Ifis’ dedication to tackling issues of sustainable mobility, dedicated spaces have been designed for bikes and e-bikes, and electric vehicle charging stations.


INTERIOR DESIGN


The Interior Design Concept is based on the dualism between the past and the future, whilst enhancing the thirsty year history banking company that continuously demonstrates global success. The design seeks to rethink the present and looks forward to the future though innovation, whilst never forgetting the company’s origins in Venice.


The interiors look to recover some classical iconic elements like arches and wooden panelling as a revival of the styles and spirit of antiquity, typical of representative spaces, along with recognizable iconic furniture choices of only local design icons. In addition to the well-planned and flexible workspaces to support the needs of staff and visitors, the new headquarters will also feature exhibition and training facilities, coffee break-out areas, recreation areas for yoga and four multi-functional terraces. Attention to the quality of spaces and wellbeing is also found in the use of large windows to ensure natural lighting and the introduction of green spaces facilitates frequent visual contact with natural elements, as well as in the design and ergonomics of all furnishing solutions.


The omnipresence of the new Brand Identity Colours will create a unique and elegant space that works for everybody and promotes the feeling of a strong brand.

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    One Works, in collaboration with RBS Design Group, DEERNS and Paisà, have completed the project for the new Banca Ifis headquarters – one of Italy’s leading financial firms specialized in business credit services and solutions and acquisition and management of non-performing loan portfolios. Focusing on the historical identity of the building and a strong vision of the future, the new offices interpret the Banca Ifis brand through a range elegant...

    Project details
    • Year 2022
    • Work finished in 2022
    • Status Completed works
    • Type Business Centers / Corporate Headquarters / Banks / Interior Design
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