Transforming Milan
Modern Areas in Milan and How to Navigate them for Students
CityLife
Authors: Joaquin Subijana, Enzo Rachid and Christina Rorres
CityLife and Porta Nuova are two new areas of Milan that offer a fantastic place for students and others to integrate into the Milano lifestyle while succeeding academically. CityLife is located in the northeast at the Tre Torri metro station, while Porta Nuova is more centrally located, near the Garibaldi station. Both feature fantastic scenery, architecture, and things to do, as we shall explain within this article.
According to their website, CityLife is the largest urban shopping district in Italy and is surrounded by the second largest public park in Milan with 90 acres of area, the first being Sempione Park. One immediate impression is its architectural modernity, the mall was designed by Zaha Hadid architects and the surrounding apartments of the mall and park area reflect this modern, contemporary vision as well. Its design does not sacrifice size, CityLife comprises 80 stores, 1 supermarket, 20 restaurants and bars, and a movie theater, which is great to go to with friends. It has several fantastic cafés, including California Bakery and a Nespresso store, which allows for great study spots for students in a really young, innovative environment. The second floor also serves this function for students, with many tables available and great natural light through the window-like ceiling. In fact, on most days, you will see students all over this area, which makes the space that much more academic. The park nearby can also serve as a great break from the screen, with its gorgeous green views and extravagant fountain.
With the creation of CityLife, the metro line 5 was extended with a stop at the Piazza Tre Torri which makes the park and shopping center extremely accessible from almost anywhere in Milan. It’s also located a short walk away from Buonarroti, where many classes are held, giving it extra convenience for those students. Piazza Tre Torri consists of three towers, which as previously stated, were designed by Zaha Hadid, Arata Isozaki and Daniel Libeskind. The three towers of CityLife are all different but very clearly reflect other modern skyscrapers of their type. The first building that was completed was Il Dritto or “The Straight One” which is the Allianz Tower. Il Dritto was built between 2012 and 2015. The second completed building was Lo Storto or “The Twisted One” which is the Generali Tower. Lo Storto was built between 2014 and 2017. The third and final of the towers is Il Curvo or “The Curved One” which was built between 2016 and 2020. Although not many buildings in Milan follow this new type of architecture, CityLife is a main attraction in the city because of the interesting buildings, the large park and the wide range of stores in the shopping center.
Inside the shopping center is a very lively environment with many stores on the main floor and various restaurants to choose from on the second floor. Often times, students are on a budget, and shopping in Milan can be quite difficult for them with the high fashion culture. Rest assured, this mall has several budget-friendly stores that still offer great options. While visiting CityLife Shopping District first hand, it was clearly noticeable that it was a popular place among students to study, meet, or have lunch together on the second floor. There were groups of students working together and some productively working alone. The environment on the second floor is very welcoming and a great place to complete work because of the natural light and many seating options. It is also easy to stay all day because of the various food options. On the main floor, the stores were filled with friends shopping and chatting. It gave the impression that this was a great place to hang out after finishing classes for the day.
CityLife Shopping District is currently celebrating its five year birthday with all CityLifers. The celebration runs from November 18th to December 4th and includes a contest to win CityLife rewards including hats, t-shirts, pullovers, mugs or a soft toy. Participants can also win a 25 or 50 euro gift card for the shops that must be spent by December 25th. To participate in the contest, all you have to do is spend 20 euros at any of the stores in the shopping district. The total prize pool for CityLife’s fifth birthday celebration is 16,380 euros.
Activities to do at CityLife:
- In addition to the main food court on the second floor of CityLife, we recommend studying at Red Bistro Libreria. This bookstore is also located on the second floor of CityLife but it is in a more quiet corner of the building which is great for studying. Since the bookstore is a cafe as well, you can get yourself coffee throughout the day to stay focused.
- Participate in CityLife’s 5th birthday contest by December 4th to win prizes and gift cards.
- Study or meet with friends on the second floor near the food court. The open concept of the area and the ceiling makes it a very welcoming environment.
- Spend time in CityLife park. Wander around to enjoy the architecture and nature in the area if you’re looking to get away from the busy areas in the city.
Porta Nuova
Porta Nuova translates to “New Gate” in English. In 2004, the project to create a business district bringing together major brands such as Samsung, Nike and Google was approved. The construction of Porta Nuova started shortly after in 2009. By 2015, the realization of this project was estimated at 2 billion euros for investors, due to its size and extravagant designing by three masterplanners, Pelli Clarke Pelli, Boeri Studio and Kohn Pedersen Fox. Once there, you can admire the impressive height of the buildings and the modern style that this young district displays.
Impressive heights.
When thinking of Milan, Italy, one doesn’t typically think of skyscrapers, yet this area features some of the best in Europe. There are countless impressive towers standing at the heart of Porta Nuova, overlooking the gardens in the center. One notable example would be the Unicredit Tower and its 230 meter height, which makes it one of the tallest buildings in all of Europe. The Diamond Tower is yet another high-rise building in the Milan business district which owes its name to its facets, as well as to its particular shape, standing at a little less than 140 meters.
A particular architecture
We can say that the architects who worked on the Porta Nuova project were very inspired. The buildings are magnificent and unique. Many people consider Porta Nuova to be a luxury neighborhood, inaccessible to everyone. Do not be fooled by such an idea. This new district was certainly designed using advanced technology and expensive materials, but it is nonetheless open to everyone. The vast green paths offer unbarriered space, the beautiful windows invite contemplation. Not to mention that you will only have to travel one kilometer to arrive at the unmissable il Duomo of Milan. Located next to the expansive park are also two famous residential buildings, called the Bosco Verticale (translates to “Vertical Forest”). These are model residential buildings that contain approximately 900 trees between them, making the building appear like a vertical forest. They are a representation of both incredible architecture and the possibilities of the future, as we learn to coexist with our planet in new and sustainable manners.
Activities to do in Porta Nuova:
- Admire the landscape: the magnificent and imposing buildings. If you are an architecture student or have any interest in architecture, Porta Nuova is a definite must. The pathways offer great views for a break from studying as well as plenty of coffee and shopping options.
- Go to the restaurant “Biancolatte” rated 4.3 stars with 3000 Google reviews. Biancolatte is at Via Filippo Turati, 30, 20121, Milano. You can find pastries for breakfast, Italian pasta dishes, soups, burgers and ice cream in a sober and chic restaurant. If you want to eat something other than Italian dishes, there is the excellent “Kanji Light”: a Japanese restaurant rated 4.3 stars with 1400 Google reviews. Kanji Light it located at Via S. Marco, 27, 20121, Milano.
- If you are looking for a bar to spend the evening, I recommend the “Swiss Corner”, the atmosphere is warm, the decorations are pretty and the waiters are friendly. It is rated 4 stars with 1400 Google reviews, and is known for a vibrant atmosphere which is perfect for students. Swiss Corner is located at Via Palestro, 2, 20122, Milano.
- Visit the BAM: “Biblioteca degli Alberti Milano”. It is a park and botanical garden with contemporary landscaping, restaurants and community events. The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. BAM is located at Via Gaetano de Castilla, 28, 20124, Milano which is the heart of Porta Nuova.
- Go to “Piazza Gae Aulenti”: a modern square with fountains and nocturnal illuminations, surrounded by contemporary shops and skyscrapers.
