The New Face of Milan
The New Face of Milan Katherine Marotta
Piazza Gae Aulenti is one of the landmarks of the new Milan, the contemporary city, changing and looking to the future. It is a circular plaza of about 80 meters in diameter, it was inaugurated in September of 2012 and is dedicated to the architect Gae Aulenti, whose name it bears. It is situated in the heart of the business center of the Lombard city. In recent times, it has become a destination for tourists and citizens thanks to the numerous shops that houses, such as bookshops, perfumeries and clothing shops, but also for being the location of some social events such as the Fashion Week, and for being among the most important places of Expo 2015.
Old parts of the city have been transformed into architectural and urban excellence that look to the future. They had been realized thanks to the technology and the innovative design and construction processes.
The new concept of the city is modernity. Looking at the new buildings we can see a great amount of curvilinear shapes, smooth lines, and sharp corners. At first glance, this new area looks like a “city within the city.” Everithing is in harmony with the rest of the “old” and historical side of the city. Milan has changed and it is is in constant change every single day.
A city that is always reinventing itself. Where continuous change is a chameleon nature. Demure, without fuss or vanity. For those who can understand it, Milan is more and more seductive and fabulous in its ability to give hope.
The predominantly working vocation of the square, due to the presence of several offices, has not prevented it from becoming a firm favorite with many types of visitors, both citizens and tourists from around the world. The presence of three large fountains equipped with water features, lighting and music is an attraction very much appreciated. Very often the square is set up with stands and decorations on the occasion of festivity.
Piazza Gae Aulenti was rewarded by the Landscape Institute as one of the most beautiful squares in the world in terms of innovation and environmental protection. It is the Agora of the new millennium.
It is the first square in Milan line with European standards in terms of design and energy efficiency. The tree-shaped lamp is made up of LED light that shines up thanks to an integrated photovoltaic system that collects sunlight during the day.