Lombrate Design District
Post WWII the Lambrate District in Milan went through an industrial boom with mechanically-based production lines setting up operations. The instability of the Italian economy during the 1980's eventually caused these operations to close, and in the following decades the district struggled to move on from the closure of its past industries. In the early 2000's, Ventura Projects eventually assisted in deploying a new typology for the district, one focused on the education and production of design and digital communications - hence the re-brand 'Lambrate Design District'.
This project aims to assess and possibly recalibrate Lambrate's new-found street and building typologies which have resulted from this shift in industry. Speculating on the potential impact a shift in the, curb to roller door street threshold could hold for this "gentrified" district.
With the future growth of Lambrate almost inevitable, the area’s connection to the city’s metro system is essential to harvesting this growth. However, the metro line currently and will most likely act as a barrier, hindering this sprawl.
Intersections in the heart of Lombrate represent the largely change-able/varying spatial, pragmatic/logistical and social conditions which currently exist in the District. From highly gated and secluded entryways to highly exposed public (even abandoned) street access points, Lombrate’s street conditions have been highly dictated by its shifting economic and social activity. With the changing conditions in Lambrate, these thresholds could possibly alter or juxtapose as technological and/or social changes occur further beyond 2019.