Do you know what a Curtain Wall or Mur Rideau is?

Sep 20, 2013

The UniCredit Towers are the pinnacles of the Italian Curtain Wall

 

It’s a typically Italian art that has triumphed throughout the planet. As its name implies, the concept dictates that the exterior surface of a building functions like glass curtain. Italy’s historic specialists in this area are Permasteelisa, founded by Massimo Colomban, and Brescia’s Metra (owned by the Bertoli, Zanetti, Giacomelli and Marinelli families); both of these firms played a decisive role in introducing this innovative art to many countries throughout the world including the USA, Canada, China and other European countries.

Many of Milan’s newest buildings, including the new headquarters of the Lombardy Region: Palazzo Lombardia, are the product of their collaboration. Palazzo Lombardia is a project by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners of New York in concert with Caputo Partnership and Sistema Duemila, of Milan.

Metra is responsible for the famous Piramide del Louvre as well as for Giò Ponti’s striking Pirelli Tower.

The UniCredit Towera are the pinnacles of the Italian Curtain Wall and icon of the Porta Nuova / Garibaldi neighborhood. Architecture, engineering and finance stand out among the notable examples that surround the large park dominated by the tower of Hines and Catella – and now Qatar is also participating – as do the breathtaking Towers of the Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest), designed by Boeri and completed with Peverelli’s horticultural art.

The UniCredit Towers were designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects and Cesar Pelli’s strength and expertise are evident in what has become Italy’s tallest skyscraper.

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