Italcementi : and architecture: white concrete for the new venue of Fondazione Prada. (Building and Architecture)

The new Milan venue of Fondazione Prada conceived by architecture firm OMA-led by Rem Koolhaas-consists in the redevelopment of an early 20th-century distillery. Striking bright architectural elements are made of a special white concrete by Italcementi.

Characterized by an articulated architectural configuration which combines seven existing buildings with three new structures (Podium, Cinema and Torre), the project is the result of two coexisting conditions: preservation of the old and creation of a new architecture which, although separate, confront each other in a state of permanent interaction.

As stated by Rem Koolhaas: "The Fondazione is not a preservation project and not a new architecture. New, old, horizontal, vertical, wide, narrow, white, black, open, enclosed-all these contrasts establish the range of oppositions that define the new Fondazione. By introducing so many spatial variables, the complexity of the architecture will promote an unstable, open programming, where art and architecture will benefit from each other's challenges".

The new Milan venue of Fondazione Prada expands the repertoire of spatial typologies in which art can be exhibited and shared with the public. The foundation is Multifunctional space, hosts a permanent art collection, a temporary exhibition space, a cinema, an auditorium.

The choice of materials characterizing the project went through a continuous dialogue between the designer, the company and Italcementi. The brightness characterizing some architectural elements of the building is achieved by using a special mix of innovative cement-based products developed by Italcementi with the addition of Carrara white marble aggregates. For the realization of the tower, the iconic symbol of the new museum complex (currently under construction), white concretes will be used such as i.flow VISTA, a low viscosity self-compacting concrete with high aesthetic standard, and i.design ROCCABIANCA concrete, specially suited for floors, flat walls and beam walls. Architect Rem Koolhaas' design of the exhibition spaces will also include industrial flooring made of i.pro PAVIMIX concrete.