The Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio is a project that demonstrates how the preservation of historical heritage can coexist with present-day needs. Thanks to the work of Studio Marco Piva, this symbolic palace in Milan has found a new life, respecting its roots while also looking towards the future. A place where history and innovation come together to offer the city and its visitors a unique and memorable experience. The redevelopment and conversion of Palazzo Venezia is a tribute to Milan's great architectural tradition.
In the heart of Milan, the Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio represents an example of balance between historical preservation and contemporary innovation. This imposing building, originally designed by architect Luca Beltrami at the end of the 19th century, underwent a radical transformation by Studio Marco Piva, which managed to respect and enhance its history, projecting it towards a new use as a luxury hotel.
The restoration of the facade has been carried out with the utmost attention to historical details, as required by such architectural projects, preserving the original elements through a highly precise conservative intervention. All the windows have been replaced with high-performance wooden fixtures, faithfully reproduced according to the original 1900s design. This has allowed to maintain the historical aesthetics of the building, while improving its energy performance.
The main entrance of the Gran Melià Palazzo Cordusio has been preserved through the conservation of the historic door, enhanced by a second glass door that acts as a filter between the outside and the new lobby. This space welcomes guests in an environment that retains the charm of the past but introduces modern elements. The inner courtyard, once a horse storage area, has been transformed into an elegant multifunctional space, covered by a steel and glass structure that harmoniously blends with the building's geometry.
The terraces on the fifth floor, overlooking the majestic Piazza Mercanti and the Duomo, represent one of the most striking points of the project. The flooring has been selected with the approval of the Superintendence, using finishes that recall traditional Milanese wooden terraces. The parapets have been restored, reinforced, and integrated with glass elements to ensure safety without compromising the panoramic view. Another terrace, on the fourth floor, has been created above what used to be an attic, offering a new convivial area to host the hotel's F&B spaces.
The interior architecture has been completely redesigned to accommodate the new needs of the hotel, with a space distribution that respects the historical structure. The design studio oversaw the creation of the 84 rooms, designed to harmoniously integrate with the constrained structural elements. The connection between Palazzo Venezia and the nearby Palazzo Cassi-Ramelli was one of the most complex technical aspects, as the two buildings were not originally intended to work in synergy. It was necessary to adapt the systems and internal pathways to ensure functional continuity between the two structures.
On the upper floors, the restaurant and bar offer a unique experience, with spaces that follow the natural inclinations of the roof, respecting the slope of the existing roof. The common areas, such as the meeting rooms and the gym on the third floor, have been designed to offer guests a refined yet functional environment, with large windows that provide a privileged view of Piazza Mercanti.
One of the most significant interventions concerns the lighting design project. More than 400 LED light sources, including around a hundred in Piazza Cordusio, have been installed to enhance the architectural and historical features of the building. The dynamic lighting is designed to create nighttime scenographies that celebrate events and commemorations, such as Republic Day or Holocaust Remembrance Day. The system is programmable and dimmable, allowing for customization of the lighting effects according to the hotel's needs or specific events.
One of the most iconic spaces of the Palace is the dome, where the hotel reception is located. This environment, situated on the top floor, has undergone a careful conservative restoration that has brought to light the original plasterwork and metal support structures. The wrought iron spiral staircase, leading to the lantern, offers a breathtaking view of the city in 360 degrees, a unique experience that blends history and modernity.
