claudio silvestrin + giuliana salmaso: la rinascente department store in florence
1+1=1, the architecture studio founded by claudio silvestrin and giuliana salmaso, has designed a new extension for la rinascente department store in florence. the project is conceived as a symbol of strength: the square, yet of lightness, the detail of the archangel’s wing in filippo lippi’s painting the annunciation. visually, the new extension is floating above palazzo del trianon while preserving its authentic architectural structure.

claudio silvestrin + giuliana salmaso: la rinascente department store in florence
la rinascente department store by 1+1=1

 

 

the new configuration creates a synergy between the volume symmetry of the existing 19th century building, which is deeply rooted to the ground, and the tension towards the sky of the new contemporary building. the lightness becomes more perceptible through the materials of the new construction that has a metallic structure and is very easy to assemble and disassemble; it is rounded off with plaster and lime, an ancient material which intentionally conveys a sense of immaculacy.

claudio silvestrin + giuliana salmaso: la rinascente department store in florence
la rinascente department store by 1+1=1

claudio silvestrin + giuliana salmaso: la rinascente department store in florence
la rinascente department store by 1+1=1

claudio silvestrin + giuliana salmaso: la rinascente department store in florence
la rinascente department store by 1+1=1

claudio silvestrin + giuliana salmaso: la rinascente department store in florence
la rinascente department store by 1+1=1