The Portico defines the Future of Office Space in CityLife II, Milan

CityLife in Milan will feature two new office towers connected by a canopy roof resembling an Italian portico. These LEED-certified buildings, with photovoltaic roofs, will reduce energy demand by 45%. The project includes a 174,000 square metre park, the second largest in Milan, linking various site buildings. Ramboll and BIG focus on sustainability and community engagement in this innovative development.
City Life II Portico Milan. Credits Bjarke Ingels Group
CityLife, a central neighbourhood in Milan, Italy is set to enhance its skyline with the build of two new office towers, rising 55 and 105 metres. These towers will be connected by a canopy roof resembling an Italian gallery or portico, creating a special covered area for the community and completing the existing commercial area.
The buildings are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified and have excellent energy performance. A photovoltaic roof, designed to blend in with the surrounding roof tiles, will contribute to a 45% reduction in energy demand compared to the average building, as benchmarked by Law 10, Law on the Energy Performance of Buildings in Italy. Additionally, the buildings will contribute to renewable energy with 65% (over 1,200 MWh/year PV).
Complementing the development, a 174,000-square-metre park—the second largest in Milan—will be built. The park will serve as a green link, connecting the various residential, commercial, cultural, and office buildings on the site, enhancing the urban landscape and community experience.
Ramboll's Contribution to CityLife II
Ramboll played a key role in the first phase of the CityLife development (CityLife I), which included the construction of the three iconic towers: Allianz Tower, Generali Tower, and PwC Tower. Building on over a decade of collaboration with CityLife, Ramboll will continue as the main engineering partner, supporting BIG in the development of the two additional buildings in the CityLife II project.
The design for CityLife II follows SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) guidelines, which are based on world-class technology and user research. The project features two private courtyards that provide workers an outdoor retreat during work, while a large central garden offers a public space for the community.
Sustainability is a core focus of the CityLife II design. The roof will be covered by 11,000 square metres of photovoltaic panels, supported by rainwater harvesting, ground source water systems, air reuse from courtyards, and façade optimization for daylight and solar gains. These features all contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the development.
The CityLife neighbourhood offers a unique blend of respect for the existing environment and bold, innovative design. The interspace between the two buildings creates a public park, echoing the traditional use of porticos as an extension of interior space. This approach allows both city residents and workers to enjoy fresh air and green spaces year-round, enhancing the urban experience in Milan.