Past, Present, Future

 

In just a few years, the Scalo di Porta Romana district will look very different, not only from decades ago but also from today. 

The area’s “in-progress” nature sets it apart from other, more historical parts of Milan, where architectural constraints limit changes. Here, we find a true urban laboratory, with results still to be seen. 

Early 20th-century black-and-white photos show the district characterized by tall smokestacks, smoke, and railway tracks laden with freight cars: a true industrial zone. 

 

Here, factories like Tecnomasio Italiano Brown Boveri, the AEM power plant, Molino Verga, and Italian Distilleries once stood.

 

 

It was common to see images of workers, both men and women, waiting for trains at the nearby Porta Romana station, just a short distance from the Scalo and the industries. 

What Will the Scalo di Porta Romana District Look Like for the 2026 Olympics?

 

The district’s future is closely tied to the present, marked by an urban regeneration that began with the opening of the Fondazione Prada in 2015 and continues with numerous other construction projects. 

One of the most anticipated projects is the conversion of the former railway yard into the Olympic Village for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will later become student housing and an open space dedicated to the city. This area of 190,000 square meters is designed with a focus on energy and environmental sustainability, including a large public park and communal spaces. 

 

The A2A Lighthouse Tower in Milan

 

Just a few steps from the future Olympic Village, another major project is taking shape: the A2A Lighthouse Tower, a new office complex replacing early 20th-century buildings, a legacy from when the company was called AEM. The 145-meter tower will impact Milan’s skyline, becoming a new symbol of the city. 

The Symbiosis Project at Scalo di Porta Romana

 

Symbiosis is one of the most innovative projects in the area, focusing on redeveloping 130,000 square meters to create a new business district behind Fondazione Prada. Companies such as Fastweb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Snam, and creative entities like LVMH Italia and Moncler will be housed here. 

 

The future of Scalo di Porta Romana is taking shape as a creative district, dotted with the headquarters of major fashion and luxury brands. In addition to those already mentioned, the OTB Group, which includes brands like Diesel, Maison Margiela, and Jil Sander, will also establish its presence near the Olympic Village. 

 

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