The goal of the competition was to redevelop an old industrial building in the upper area of Lugano, in the municipality of Massagno. The aim was to transform it into a large multi-functional hall where the community could meet and carry out different activities. The project develops inside the existing reinforced concrete shell, creating a new volume within the old one. This “box within a box” approach came from the desire to avoid altering the original structure while still achieving good thermal performance.

The inner box is built with a metal frame made from reused steel and clad in polycarbonate, a 100% recyclable material. It is completely separated from the existing concrete building. In the space between the two façades, a green buffer of plants and shrubs creates a natural filter. This layer allows air to circulate and acts as a thermal cushion, helping to insulate the inner hall in a softer and more sustainable way than traditional methods.

For the outer part of the project, the trellises from an old annex on the site were reused. Set up like an outdoor pergola, they extend the interior functions towards the exterior. This creates a flexible connection between the inside and outside, allowing activities to flow beyond the building envelope while maintaining continuity in the architectural language.

Between these two areas lies the buvette, positioned as a shared threshold. It serves both the interior hall and the exterior pergola at the same time. This central placement allows the two zones to work together as one large space, but also to be divided into smaller, independent areas when needed.