Innovation Campus

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Innovation Campus, by Flores & Prats (the architecture practice of Eva Prats and Ricardo Flores) is the headquarters for Microsoft Italia - a green campus of 7.5 hectares that intelligently manages quality of life at the workplace. It comprises offices for 800 employees, an auditorium, restaurant, bar, gymnasium and kindergarten. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: The work responds to the specificities of the agricultural fringe of Milan to create a transition between two technologies - working the fields and working with computers. According to Microsoft, the campus 'does not solely represent a unique physical and technologically ideal location, but also a new approach to working methods, from the evolution of technology and the needs of all the stakeholders concerned.' This project extends Prats' ongoing investigation into creative conceptualisation based around the fundamental purpose of a building. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: Innovation Campus demonstrates the significance of Flores & Prats' practice through its success in open competitions for large public commissions. From a pool of 340 eligible international entries, the work received an award at the 2011 Dedalo-Minosse International Prize - an esteemed recognition of excellence in planning and processes around architect/client relationships, promoted by ALA - Assoarchitetti, the Italian Association for Professional Architects. The press opening on 8 June 2011 attracted approximately 80 journalists (TV, newspapers and radio). The work was exhibited at the Dedalo-Minosse event at Palazzo Barbaran, Vicenza. It is also the subject of the monographic book 'Innovation Campus' produced by Microsoft and published by Skira, Milan. The project featured in ArchDaily and numerous European magazines.