MAD Architects reveal innovative MoLo hub near Milan

MAD architects, led by Chinese Architect Ma Yansong, have released images of their latest project, the MoLo | Mobility and Logistic hub. The complex is located in the Milano Innovation District (MIND), an up-and-coming neighbourhood in northwest Milan that fuses scientific research, education, business and leisure facilities. Measuring 28.5 meters in height, 170 meters in length and 50 meters in width, the MoLo was designed in collaboration with Architect Andrea Nonni, Open Project and Progeca s.r.l. It boasts a gross surface area of 68,800 square meters and a surface gross area of 11,195 square meters. Its purpose is to serve as a welcoming entrance and education space for mobility-related topics. Visitors can drop off their vehicles and explore the area on foot, and witness cutting-edge transportation technology in person. The complex is spread over 11 square miles, and its design is intended to harmoniously bring together various facilities. 

The MoLo hub features a unique, sinuous design that evokes the fluidity and movement of vehicles. The complex is clad in white, perforated aluminium skin that allows for natural ventilation and provides a sense of lightness to the overall structure. The building's exterior is punctuated by large, curved windows that allow visitors to look out onto the surrounding district. Inside the hub, visitors will find a range of facilities related to mobility, including a car-sharing service, a bike-sharing program, and electric vehicle charging stations. 

The complex also features exhibition spaces where visitors can learn about the latest advancements in transportation technology and mobility-related issues. In addition, the MoLo includes offices for transportation-related businesses, as well as a restaurant and a cafe. According to MAD architects, the MoLo hub was designed to be a sustainable and environmentally friendly building. The perforated aluminium skin helps to regulate the building's temperature, reducing the need for artificial cooling and heating. 

The building also features a green roof, which helps to absorb rainwater and provides a habitat for local wildlife. The MoLo | Mobility and Logistic hub is set to become a landmark in the Milano Innovation District, providing visitors with an immersive experience that highlights the latest advancements in transportation and mobility. With its unique design and range of facilities, the MoLo is poised to become a hub for innovation and creativity in the heart of Milan.

MAD Architects, known for their nature-integrated designs in projects such as Gardenhouse in Beverly Hills and One River North in Denver, has created MoLo to blend architecture and nature. The building's facades will be adorned with lush vegetation to enhance the surrounding environment and capture airborne carbon. 

MoLo's use of vertical landscaping allows the building to blend seamlessly into the verdant surroundings. The open gallery on the ground floor, situated near the public interchange tunnel, diagonally cuts across the centre of the building to merge the indoor and outdoor spaces while connecting MoLo to Rho-Arese park. The gallery's ceiling is marked by a cloud-like sculpture that undulates in the direction of pedestrian movement.

MAD has designed various projects in Europe, including the molo, as well as multiple installations for Milan Design Week and an adaptive reuse project called 71 Via Boncompagni situated in the heart of Milan. These projects cleverly blend innovative functions with cutting-edge technology and striking form to showcase the future of transportation systems in urban centres globally. The construction of the molo is set to commence in September 2022.

 

Press release and images ©MAD Architects