( Hospitality )
HOTEL VIU MILANO
Set in the heart of the emerging Porta Nuova neighborhood of Milan, Italy, Hotel Viu Milan manages to capture the zeitgeist of the modern-day city with its progressive and sustainable architectural concept, while honoring the classic aesthetics of Milanese design with its sleek interiors. The visual concept of the hotel’s interiors was entrusted to Arassociati Studio and Nicola Gallizia Studio. Molteni&C provided furnishings throughout the hotel property.
D.154.2 ARMCHAIR GIO PONTI
It is said that fortune favors the brave, and this adage certainly seems true of architects Arassociati’s bold design for Hotel Viu Milan. Representative of the regeneration of the urban environment around Porta Volta, the 124-room hotel stands out thanks to its exterior’s spectacular vertical garden.
Rendered in sustainably-sourced wood, metal and bronzed glass, the hotel’s architecture is composed of undulating patterns of indentions and projections that define each story. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows flood the rooms and guest areas with natural light and proffer a firm sense of location with panoramic city views, ensconcing guests in an inviting, home-like setting reminiscent of a stylish Milanese townhouse.
For this project Molteni&C Contract Division furnished all the social areas (lobbies, restaurants, bars), bedrooms and suites with custom made fixed and loose furniture characterized by delicate nuances and completed by a curated collection of objets d’art. They reinforce the impression of staying at a private residence—albeit one outfitted with impeccable taste.
The entrance of Viu Hotel displays two D.154.2 armchairs, designed by Gio Ponti in 1954 and today produced by Molteni&C, thanks to an agreement with the Gio Ponti Archives, thereby preserving the legacy of the great Milanese maestro, which would otherwise have been lost.
Arassociati Studio and Nicola Gallizia Studio turned to the inimitable style of legendary designer and architect Gio Ponti for inspiration when creating the classical lines and artisanal-inspired interiors of the hotel’s entrance. The black basalt tiled flooring adds a contemporary touch to the space, while carefully-placed rugs mirror the linearity of the furniture design.
The flowing space leads to Bulk, an inclusive and informal restaurant conceptualized by Michelin-starred chef Giancarlo Morelli. Here, the surrounding green spaces shift to hardwood flooring and the use of warmer, nature-inspired tones. Taking inspiration from a Milanese cultural center that once resided on the site of the hotel, Bulk has been designed as a multi-faceted social hub centered around regional cuisine, served from the open kitchen.
The crowning glory of Hotel Viu Milan, The VIU is the only hotel rooftop in Milan with an outdoor swimming pool that features stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline. Teak lounge furniture is set amid Mediterranean olive trees, creating an urban oasis where guests can while away halcyon hours between dips in the pool and bask in the sun’s warming rays from dawn till dusk.
( Featured Designs )
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Gio Ponti’s D.154.2 armchair captures the architect’s luminous spirit and masterful approach to form with its embracing, sinuous silhouette. The iconic armchair was born from a deeply personal project, the Villa Planchart in Caracas (1953-1957) - the private residence of art collectors Anala and Armando Planchart, which they commissioned Gio Ponti to design from top to bottom as both the architect and the interior designer.
Inspired by the sculptural form of the Asterias cactus native to the mountainous regions of Mexico, the Asterias table by Patricia Urquiola transforms natural geometry into refined, contemporary design. The table's generous round top and central base mimic the radial symmetry of the cactus, creating a striking yet harmonious presence in any dining or gathering space. Asterias is a bold blend of natural inspiration and meticulous craftsmanship.
In the Domino Next collection, Nicola Gallizia explores the elegance of essential form and the expressive power of materials. Conceived as a family of versatile pieces, Domino Next offers small tables and poufs that can stand alone or fit seamlessly together. The design won the Wallpaper* Design Award 2017.