( Hospitality )
GRAN MELIÁ PALAZZO CORDUSIO, MILAN
Gran Meliá embarks on a new era with the opening of the Gran Meliá Palazzo Cordusio. Housed within an icon of 19th century Italian architecture, the historic Palazzo Venezia, this opening marks the arrival of the Gran Meliá brand in Milan embodying the ideal of luxury hospitality excellence. Renovated by Studio Marco Piva for architecture in collaboration with Studio ASAH for the interior design, and featuring furnishings by Molteni&C throughout, the property is now a fusion of historical grandeur and contemporary design.
Palazzo Venezia, originally built between 1897 and 1901 following the architectural design of Luca Beltrami has now re-opened under MHI, the driving force of the redevelopment of Piazza Cordusio and a return to Milanese one of the oldest and most essential hubs of the city.
Molteni&C influenced the ‘rebirth’ of this historic building in close collaboration with Meliá Hotels International. The partnership reflects the pure essence of Italian design rooted in the unique culture of Milan.
Molteni&C contributed custom furnishings in the hotel’s common areas of including the spa, meeting rooms, gym, restaurant, lobby bar, and corridors.
D.154.2 ARMCHAIR GIO PONTI
Within the 84 private rooms and suites, intricate boiserie, sliding doors, bedside tables, and decorative paintings have been tailored to each space by the Molteni&C team to enhance the guest experience.
In addition to the bespoke furnishings, the hotel showcases Molteni&C icons by Gio Ponti, the D.151.4 and D.154.2 armchairs in a timeless echo of the property’s rich history.
ASTERIAS TABLE PATRICIA URQUIOLA
ASTERIAS TABLE PATRICIA URQUIOLA
This truly one-of-a-kind collaboration has resulted in a refined space that pays homage to the past while creating a contemporary space for today’s discerning guests.
( Featured Designs )
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Nautical furnishings had long been a source of fascination for Gio Ponti when he was commissioned to design an armchair for four ocean liners and two cruises between 1949–1951: the Conte Grande, the Africa, the Oceania, the Conte Biancamano, the Andrea Doria and the Giulio Cesare. His creation, D.151.4, appeared on each, with slight variations in design to match the ship’s interior. This piece captures the spirit of refined travel, blending timeless style with thoughtful ergonomics.
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.