zaha hadid's twisting generali tower tops out in milan

zaha hadid’s twisting skyscraper in milan has topped out. originally named ‘lo storto’, (‘the twisted one’), the 170 meter structure has been renamed the ‘generali tower’ after the insurance firm who will occupy the building. once complete, the 44-storey skyscraper will join the allianz tower, designed by arata isozaki and andrea maffei. a further tower, designed by daniel libeskind, will be added at a later date — the ensemble forming the centerpiece of milan’s citylife development.

hadid’s skyscraper will join the ‘allianz tower’ (right), designed by arata isozaki and andrea maffei
(above and main) image by alberto fanelli © citylife

the base of hadid’s design will contain a commercial shopping area that connects to milan’s underground metro system. above, 39 storeys are dedicated to high-level executive functions, capable of accommodating around 3,200 people. in addition, an underground car park provides space for up to 380 vehicles, helping to alleviate parking issues. the concrete structure contains a central core able to withstand lateral loads, with a radial set of columns allowing the floor plan to twist as it rises — transferring the necessary vertical forces. sun-shading louvers and a double glazing system, with integrated ventilation, will ensure a comfortable interior environment.

the tower has topped out at a height of 170 meters
image by martino negri © citylife

the citylife development covers an overall area of 366,000 square meters. its transformation plan provides for a structured and balanced mix of public and private programs. the three commercial towers are located at the center of the site, surrounded by residential buildings and public green spaces. these habitable dwellings also include designs from hadid and libeskind. the ‘generali tower’ is set to complete in early 2018.

see designboom’s previous coverage of the vast development here, including our interview with andrea maffei, one of the architects behind the ‘allianz tower’.

the structure currently has a scheduled completion date of 2017
image by martino negri © citylife