A New Architectural Landmark Between Via Marsala and Via Pergolesi
In the heart of Busto Arsizio (VA), between Via Marsala, Via Pergolesi, and Via Petrella, a new mixed-use complex is taking shape — a contemporary architectural structure combining residential and office functions.
Commissioned by Live Green Palace S.r.l., the project consists of two independent buildings, each with distinct functions and volumes.
The first block, developed perpendicularly to Via Pergolesi, includes one underground floor and three above-ground levels dedicated to parking and office spaces.
The second block, on the other hand, is the symbolic heart of the project — a volume completely detached from the ground, suspended in mid-air and connected to the lower block only through the staircase core and two elevator shafts.
Rising six stories above ground, it hosts residential units with wide terraces and a flat roof equipped with photovoltaic panels, combining structural rigor with a sense of architectural lightness.
The Suspended Block: Nine Inclined Columns
The most distinctive element of the project is the series of nine inclined cylindrical columns in reinforced concrete, placed along the east façade.
Each column measures 60 cm in diameter and reaches up to 15.5 meters in height, supporting the suspended volume and transferring vertical and seismic loads to a 100 cm thick reinforced concrete foundation slab.
At the points of contact, the fifth floor slab was stiffened with 200×200 cm extradosed plinths, 90 cm thick, to counteract punching stresses from concentrated loads.
Structural Analysis and FEM Modeling
The entire structural design was developed in full compliance with Italian Building Code (D.M. 17 January 2018) and Circular No.7/2019, through finite element modeling (FEM).
The analysis was carried out using Pro_Sap Professional 2018 by 2S.I. – Software e Servizi per l’Ingegneria, allowing for a complete simulation of the building’s behavior under static and seismic conditions.
The structure was verified under ultimate (SLU) and service (SLE) limit states, adopting a seismic behavior factor q = 1.067, classified as non-dissipative.
Linear dynamic analysis with response spectrum confirmed both the torsional deformability and overall stability of the structure, validating the effective distribution of horizontal forces through the concrete shear walls and the inclined columns.
Geotechnical Analysis and Foundation System
The geotechnical assessments were carried out on the basis of the report prepared by geologist Dr. Claudio Franzosi.
The foundation mat, with a thickness of 100 cm, was modeled at two different elevations with a level difference of 1.25 m, in order to adapt to the site’s topographic characteristics and ensure proper distribution of contact pressures.
Materials and On-Site Installation Phase
Following the completion of the reinforced concrete foundation structures, the construction phase entered its most delicate stage: the installation of the inclined columns along the east elevation of the suspended block. This was a highly complex operation from a technical standpoint, requiring the simultaneous presence of numerous specialized workers and constant coordination among site managers and technical staff, who were engaged in continuous monitoring of each lifting, alignment, and casting phase.
The columns, made of C28/35 reinforced concrete with B450C steel reinforcement and an external steel casing with a thickness of 5 mm, were installed with millimetric precision to ensure the exact design inclination and continuity with the 70 cm thick transfer slab at the top. The slabs of the upper floors complete the load-bearing system, ensuring uniform structural behavior and high performance in terms of both mechanical strength and seismic response.
During installation, continuous checks were carried out on concrete quality and geometric tolerances, confirming a construction approach focused on safety and durability. Final inspections verified full compliance with regulatory requirements and the structural stability of the inclined columns.
Balance Between Engineering and Architecture
The Busto Arsizio project stands as a tangible example of integration between structural engineering and architectural design, born from the collaboration between ENGLOBE and Ni.ma Srl, authors of the building’s concept and form.
The suspended block finds its expressive power in the inclined reinforced concrete columns wrapped in steel, which not only support the structure but also define the rhythm and identity of the façade.
Through a continuous dialogue between aesthetic intent, functional needs, and construction feasibility, ENGLOBE successfully bridged architectural vision and technical realism, ensuring coherence between the client’s expectations, structural integrity, and design quality.
Executing Contractor: Gruppo Alfano | Render Ni-Ma.it
