EXECUTIVE DESIGN / Component definition
(September 2010 – currently in progress)
Executive design is developing according to two principal directions. The individual layouts of the structures which will be used for the Casa .italo units within the stations have been reviewed and adapted. In addition, the engineering phase for the principal design elements (the high-technology wall and the circular furnishing islands) has begun.PROGETTO ESECUTIVO / La definizione dei componenti
(settembre 2010 – in corso)
Review of the initial unit distribution arrangement along the walls of the spaces in the various stations required a meticulous and closely-defined analysis of the different cases, starting from an architectural survey. The solutions identified were always tailored to the specific situation, a process made possible by the modularity of the elements that are used to build the high-technology wall.
The meticulous and detailed work on the industrialization of the furnishing components, developed with Cassina Contract, enabled production to be optimized to the highest possible degree, reaching advanced levels of quality as regards materials and the level of performance required from their use in high-traffic public areas.
The modular high-technology wall is coated in plates of glass that are manufactured by means of the progressive lamination of mirror-finish and opaque films applied to an 8-mm layer of extra-transparent satin-finish float glass. The plates are held in position by means of a system that ensures their stability, while also permitting access to the technology systems contained in the various wall units. To obtain the effect of a continuous wall enclosing the interiors, a system with two high-strength pivots was designed for the points at which the glass plates are connected to the wall’s supporting structure. This makes it possible to construct a continuous glazed panel system, which can provide the highest possible flexibility within the modular system, while also guaranteeing the correct functioning of the units contained within (ticket vending machines, information monitors, litter bins, built-in seating etc.).
The furnishings, which from the early stages of the executive phase of the project were designed to be made from Corian and leather in order to provide maximum resistance to wear for the tops, and a high level of ergonomic and sensorial comfort for the seating units, were defined in accordance with Cassina Contract’s considerable experience in this area. They went through many production engineering and testing phases, which made it possible to provide detailed definition of their geometrical, material and technological characteristics.
Following updates in the specifications supplied by the Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori company, the various furnishing components were examined with the objective of improving their performance and optimizing the production process. New seating elements built-in to the glazed wall were introduced, and the overall geometry of the reception desk was modified, giving it a lower height and improving contact between staff and public.
Stefano Boeri Architetti / Architectural design
Davide Rapp (project leader)
dotdotdot / Interaction design
46xy / Graphic design
Salottobuono / Architectural design
Ferrari & Brocajoli SRL / Plant design
Andrej Mikuz Architetto / Technical feasibility and calculation
Sebastiano Conti Gallenti