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Ciao, Milano Expo! Reporting from the city just before the Expo―① ~Urban Redevelopment~
In March 2008, Milan was selected as the host city for the 2015 World Expo. This was the result of a close contest with Izmir, Turkey. At the time, Milan had a self-imposed rule that no building could be taller than the statue of the Virgin Mary atop the spire of the city's iconic cathedral, the Duomo. However, since the Expo decision, the area extending from Corso Como Street, known for its stylish boutiques, has been redeveloped and newly named the "Porta Nuova District."
Currently, several buildings surpassing the Duomo's height are under construction, with shopping centers, restaurants, boutiques, and luxury residences elegantly lining the streets. Along the street connecting Corso Como to Piazza Gaetano Aulenti, about ten new shops have already opened. This area is poised to become a fashion hub potentially even more talked-about than the luxury boutiques lining Via Montenapoleone. Incidentally, the price for residences is around 10,000 euros per square meter, which is quite high, and it seems there are still vacancies available.
The most talked-about buildings are the tower housing the offices of major bank UniCredit, designed by Argentine architect César Pelli, and the residential tower named Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest), designed by Italian architect Stefano Boeri's architectural firm.
Both stand out for their height and striking exteriors. Fashion and commercial shoots in the area are increasing, making it an ever-growing topic of conversation. Similar to Porta Nuova, redevelopment is progressing in the Zona Fiera district, formerly home to exhibition halls. The nearest station is Amandrafiera on the metro.
The City Life project, one of Europe's largest urban development initiatives, is underway here. It features a collaboration between three world-renowned architects: Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, and Arata Isozaki. A new "city" spanning 366,000 square meters, incorporating residences, office buildings, and commercial facilities, is planned. Unfortunately, completion is scheduled for 2017, meaning it won't be ready in time for the Expo.
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