CODE: A Visionary Urban Hub for Future-Ready Cities

Runner-up Entry, Co-design Milan 2020 Project by Anastasia Khech, Anastasia Kalmykova, Alexandra Stepanova

CODE is a visionary proposal for a new typology of coworking architecture, situated in the heart of Milan. Conceived as a multi-use megastructure, it brings together coworking zones, sport and relaxation facilities, educational spaces, a food court, and meeting/conference halls—all accessible 24/7. This flexibility addresses both contemporary urban demands and future adaptability.

1. Creativity as an Architectural Principle The design philosophy is rooted in the belief that creativity thrives in environments that foster open communication and diversity of experience. CODE creates a setting where people can share ideas beyond the limits of traditional office layouts. The ground floor is dedicated to a diverse array of services—knowledge-sharing platforms, sport zones, dining, relaxation, and social meeting hubs. These overlapping functions aim to nurture community interaction and enhance productivity.

Notably, the complex includes yoga rooms, communal kitchens, and green roof parks for relaxation and meditation. Each of the four towers features a unique coworking space typology, with dedicated small kitchens and quiet zones. The concept embraces a new model of coworking architecture that prioritizes emotional wellbeing and spatial diversity.

1. Blending Public and Private Realms A key component of the design is the central public park that encourages interaction not only among coworkers but also between locals and visitors. It hosts classes, workshops, lectures, and culinary events. Rooftop bars and event spaces allow for further community engagement. The varying rental options across towers—from rooms to single desks—enhance accessibility while supporting financial sustainability.
2. Strategic Urban Integration The masterplan responds to solar exposure and urban connectivity. The plot was selected to maximize sunlight penetration into the central courtyard. With the lowest tower located on the eastern side, visitors entering from this direction are offered a full view of the ensemble. The other buildings rise progressively, culminating in the northern tower—the tallest and most prominent, ensuring ample light throughout the day.
3. Designing for Future Adaptability The towers use a column-grid structural system that allows for future interior transformations. High ceilings, balconies, underground garages, and flexible ground floor layouts make the buildings resilient to change. The lowest tower, for example, could be converted into a residential structure by simply removing its secondary façade.
4. Sustainable Urban Growth As cities grapple with housing shortages, CODE proposes a radical solution: repurposing coworking spaces as future homes. Generous open areas on the ground floor offer room for green spaces, play areas, and amenities that can evolve with the building’s occupancy. This strategy not only minimizes construction waste but also encourages multi-generational and multi-functional use of space.

Through the lens of coworking architecture, CODE is more than a building—it is a catalyst for urban transformation, social collaboration, and future-readiness. Its layered, thoughtful design exemplifies how architecture can respond to immediate needs while anticipating future urban scenario