A smooth, ten-metre-tall black cube
stands on an industrial site just outside Padua.
Although surrounded by immediately adjacent
buildings, it seems isolated from them.
Actually, it rests on a platform that raises it 50
centimetres above the level of the land. This
“pavement”, which is too high for cars to approach
or park on, is effectively a design ploy
that does away with the need for any kind of
enclosure.
The high black concrete walls, seemingly
devoid of openings (just low ribbon windows
on the north front), are broken by a narrow
gateway as tall as the building. This metal
screen is easily pushed open and provides
access to a 25-metre-long drive, conceptually
and spatially similar to a Venetian street,
which leads to the entrance. The building houses
the design centre of André Maritan Group,
where about 60 people design shoes for the
footwear industry of the Riviera del Brenta
and farther afield. The offices are arranged
on two levels and overlook quiet inner courtyards.
Free from outside distractions, the
designers can concentrate and, at the same
time, unleash their imaginations – perhaps
as you would in a convent? MCT
Office building
Solemn and absolute, an office building designed by Roberto Tognon seems to link work to mystical contemplation.
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- Office building,from Domus 921 January 2009,Roberto Tognon,Padua,André Maritan Group
- 22 January 2009
- Padua