Piazza Gae Aulenti

Piazza Gae Aulenti, located in the heart of the new Porta Nuova district in Milan, represents one of the most evident symbols of the urban and architectural transformation of the city in the 21st century. Inaugurated in 2012, the square is dedicated to the architect and designer Gae Aulenti, a prominent figure in the contemporary Italian architecture scene. The square was designed by the Argentine architect César Pelli, known for his iconic skyscrapers such as the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Piazza Gae Aulenti is an elevated urban space about six meters above street level, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding skyscrapers and a privileged view of the new Milan skyline. The square covers an area of 2,300 square meters and is characterized by a modern and innovative design that harmoniously integrates architectural, technological, and natural elements. One of the most distinctive elements of the square is the presence of three circular fountains with water features and lights, creating a suggestive and dynamic atmosphere, especially in the evening when the lighting makes them particularly scenic. The fountains, along with green spaces and wooden benches, contribute to creating a welcoming and relaxing environment where citizens can stop and enjoy a moment of respite from the city bustle. Surrounding the square are some of the most representative buildings of the new Milan skyline. The Unicredit Tower, with its 231 meters in height, is the tallest skyscraper in Italy and one of the most recognizable elements of the district. The tower is clad in glass and steel, and its top is characterized by an illuminated spire that changes color, symbolizing innovation and modernity. Next to the Unicredit Tower are other prominent buildings, such as the Vertical Forest, two residential towers designed by the Boeri studio, covered with over 2,000 species of plants that help improve air quality and create a favorable microclimate. Piazza Gae Aulenti is also a commercial and cultural hub. It houses shops, restaurants, bars, and exhibition spaces that make it a reference point not only for shopping but also for cultural and social events. Among the cultural spaces, the UniCredit Pavilion stands out, a modern multifunctional building that hosts exhibitions, concerts, conferences, and other cultural events, contributing to making the square a lively center of aggregation and social interaction. From a historical and political perspective, Piazza Gae Aulenti represents the culmination of a long process of urban redevelopment that began in the 1990s. The Porta Nuova project transformed a vast degraded area into a modern business, residential, and entertainment district, symbolizing the rebirth and economic dynamism of Milan. The square, with its innovative and sustainable design, embodies the values of modernity, sustainability, and urban integration that have guided the city’s transformation. One of the most interesting anecdotes related to the square concerns the choice of the name. The decision to name it after Gae Aulenti, shortly after her passing in 2012, was a tribute to her extraordinary career and her contribution to architecture and design. Gae Aulenti was one of the most influential figures in contemporary architecture, known for projects such as the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and the renovation of Palazzo Grassi in Venice. Naming this square after her was a way to honor her connection to Milan and her lasting impact on the Italian architectural scene.