Palazzo Cordusio, a Gran Meliá Hotel

Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio – Studio Marco Piva selects Platek for the lighting of the exterior façades and the interior courtyard. Palazzo Venezia has recently reopened its doors

This historic building in the heart of Milan was erected at the end of the 19th century to a design by architect Luca Beltrami and was formerly the headquarters of Generali Assicurazioni. Redeveloped and converted, over part of its surface for hotel use, the new Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio embodies the union of history and hospitality. A tangible tribute to the synergy between the preservation of collective memory, historical heritage and the eagerness to create new experiences shaped by contemporary trends.

Studio Marco Piva undertook the Art Direction of the portions subject to constraints relating to monuments, the architecture of the interiors and terraces, and the creation of the inner courtyard.
It is against this multifaceted, complex backdrop that the partnership with Platek, outdoor lighting, was established – a company selected in keeping with the objective of the project to bring new artistic, urban value to the building. The renovation process began with a look to the past that involved an intense, collaborative effort between all the designers and organisations involved, who, as guardians of an invaluable patrimony, have been able to create a future that is respectful of its roots.

Work on the exterior included the façade, entrance, terraces and subsequently the lighting. In conjunction with the restorer and the Superintendence, it was decided that the nature of the work to be carried out should share the fundamental methodological principles of conservative restoration in order to maintain the building's architectural, artistic and historical character, and avoid any irreversible modifications.

As a key factor in the technical lighting project, Platek, outdoor lighting made available all its experience as a company that has been designing and producing both technical and, more recently, decorative outdoor lighting fixtures for over thirty years. In this specific instance, the Mini Corniche series was employed for a non-invasive effect, to emphasise and enhance the central foyer of the new hotel, the two sides, the Merchants' Corner and the Goldsmiths' Corner, intended for commercial use, and the copper surfaces of the dome and its lantern, and to create an interplay of light. All the luminaires supplied are equipped with the Dali control system, which also allows the light to be dimmed by means of remotely integrated technology solutions.

With hundreds of light sources throughout the building (on the main façade in Piazza Cordusio and on the two side façades), in addition to the daily twilight choreography, a series of lighting scenarios have been designed to create evocative night scenes to celebrate or commemorate various events, from the Italian flag to Remembrance Day, as well as Father's Day or Mother's Day. The entire system is dimmable and programmable by means of an intuitive digital interface.

Using the same technology, programmable RGBW bars have also been set up in the interior, integrated into the glass canopy as well as on the inner cornice. These illuminated structures can be programmed to mimic what is going on outside or to work independently. Mini Corniche is a broad, versatile series of high-efficiency linear luminaires, with an integrated system that is highly flexible and customisable, available in different sizes, wattages and light beams, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of design requirements. Manufactured from extruded, die-cast aluminium, Mini Corniche is highly weather-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use, but equally well suited for indoor applications. It can be easily adapted to specific requirements for a variety of environments, such as events, meeting rooms, conferences, breakfasts and lobbies, providing effective, high-quality lighting in any setting.

The partnership with Studio Marco Piva, made possible by HI LITE Next S.r.l., has breathed new life into a historic building, transforming it into a gem of modern hospitality. This lighting design project has made a remarkable contribution to the revival of the Gran Meliá Palazzo Cordusio, a hotel that is able to provide 84 luxurious rooms and a variety of communal spaces, including meeting rooms, a gymnasium, restaurant and bar, as well as a refined Spa & Wellness Area. This creative synergy not only allows the building to retain its historical prestige, but also provides an unforgettable living experience, where tradition, innovation and modernity all come together in a single unique setting.