new YellowSquare inn by pierattelli architetture opens in florence

The YellowSquare Firenze by Pierattelli Architetture

Contemporary hostel chain YellowSquare arrives in Florence, Italy, as a converted building from the 1930s. Led by studio Pierattelli Architetture, the project comprises over 5,000 sqm of colorful, dynamic, and intercultural spaces for rest and socialization. Opening to the public in April 2022, it stands a few steps from the iconic Fortezza da Basso, a key area in the Tuscan city.

The first YellowSquare was inaugurated in Rome twenty years ago, followed by a second opening in Milan in 2021, making the Florence branch the third link in the chain.

all images © Iuri Niccolai

a multifunctional, inclusive hub for sharing + socializing

The YellowSquare Firenze accommodates 250 beds, distributed in rooms of fours and eights, and 12 private rooms equipped with their own facilities. Design wise, Pierattelli Architetture (see more here) shaped the interiors as a multifunctional and inclusive hub focused on exchange, sharing, and informal gatherings. The bar, restaurant, common kitchen, and top floor swimming pool with a view of the Florentine skyline are some spots where guests can enjoy that sense of conviviality. The new hostel also offers numerous activities to foster socialization, including cooking lessons and sunset yoga classes.

While sharability here is key, the architects still had to consider privacy in the spatial layout. As such, all social functions and programs are held across the ground floor, basement, and rooftop, while private rooms are spread across the entire first and second floors; this public-private ratio exemplifies the inclusive spirit that fills the interiors.

splashes of ‘vitamin’ colors adorning a timeless building

Vitamin colors, from bright yellow and orange to calming green and blue, serve as the protagonists of the project and convey a welcoming energy. The vibrant palette is complemented by geometric layouts and a textured, sound-absorbing ceiling fiber that envelopes passageways across the hostel. Together, these elements outline a youthful and open interior design.

As for the building exterior, Pierattelli Architetture renovated the 1930s property without drastically altering its original, rationalist appearance. Instead, the goal was to uplift the existing structure through modern interventions, like using travertine to cover the portal, steps, and large plinth, and frame the large facade openings. The resulting aesthetic reveals a monolithic character endowed with elegance and timelessness.