michele de lucchi constructs giant wooden staircase in a milan university courtyard

during milan design week, italian architect michele de lucchi has constructed a giant wooden staircase within the courtyard of the università degli studi. ‘lo scalone’, or ‘the big staircase’, has been conceived as a reinterpretation of salvatore ferragamo’s new fragrance ‘the scent of life’. the structure has been designed to both complement the cortile d’onore’s existing architecture and provide direct pedestrian access to the building’s upper storey.

the giant wooden staircase has been built within the courtyard of the università degli studi
image courtesy of salvatore ferragamo (main image © designboom)

climbing to a total height of 7.4 meters, michele de lucchi’s design also serves as a viewing platform. the installation offers sweeping vistas across the site, and provides visitors with a place to sit and congregate. at the upper level, the building’s western loggia contains a gallery that hosts ten photographs taken by the finalists of the ‘scent of life talent awards’ — a competition organized by ferragamo perfumes.

the scheme provides pedestrian access to the building’s upper storey
image courtesy of salvatore ferragamo

the project is on display at interni magazine’s ‘material immaterial’ exhibition, which forms part of fuorisalone 2017. the event brings together a series of experimental and interactive installations, highlighting the collaboration between internationally acclaimed designers and manufacturers. other projects on display include ‘WAVE/CAVE’ by SHoP architects.

the structure has been designed to complement the cortile d’onore’s existing architecture
image courtesy of salvatore ferragamo

the structure climbs to a total height of 7.4 meters
image © designboom

the installation offers sweeping views across the site
image © designboom

the building’s western loggia includes a exhibition gallery
image © designboom

visitors are provided with a place to sit and congregate
image © designboom

the ‘material immaterial’ exhibition forms part of fuorisalone 2017
image © designboom