Velasca Tower, Milan, Italy

All projectsVelasca Tower, Milan

Light evolutions

Italy

Commissioned by the Società Generale Immobiliare and designed by BBPR, the Velasca Tower was completed in 1955 after 292 days of construction. An iconic building in the heart of Milan, it is now celebrated as a landmark of 20th-century architectural history. In contrast to the idealism that defined Italian architectural culture in prior decades, the Velasca Tower embodies a philosophy of "continuity.” This approach frames architecture within an unbroken historical narrative, reconnecting with the past to articulate a modernity that evolves rather than disrupts.

The Velasca Tower is distinctly contemporary in its scale (rising 106 meters), materials (reinforced concrete), and multifunctionality (housing offices, residences, and commercial spaces). Yet, it seeks to evoke the "atmosphere” of Milan by engaging in dialogue with the city’s historic fabric.

Few architectural projects have sparked as much debate as the Velasca Tower, and though often criticized, it nevertheless holds undeniable historical significance. The building encapsulates the dual identity of Milan’s post-war commercial and cultural rebirth, balancing local tradition with cosmopolitan ambition.

Year

2025

Project

Milan, Italy

Location

Bari, Italy

Lighting design

E.S.A. Engineering S.r.l.

Contractor

Hines Italy

Distributor

Hi Lite Next S.r.l.

Pictures

Within a restoration plan developed by Hines—a global company specializing in real estate investment, development, and management—the Milanese tower has been transformed into a striking luminous installation. Conceived by the lighting design team at ESA Engineering, the project aims to enhance the tower’s prominence in the city’s nighttime skyline, while respecting its architectural and historical significance.

A perfect visual balance was achieved through soft illumination of the entire structure, uniform lighting on the overhang of the eighteenth floor, and detailed accents that emphasize the vertical ribs, drawing the eye upward to the copper-clad roof where the effect culminates.

The tower now features a static, everyday lighting scheme with subdued levels that harmonize with the surrounding urban environment and prioritize environmental sustainability. In contrast, dynamic lighting displays have been designed for Christmas celebrations and could be used for future special occasions. These displays aim to give the tower an active role in engaging with the city, using captivating effects to create an emotional connection with observers.

The impressive final result was achieved through the installation of over 200 lighting fixtures and required the involvement of approximately 40 skilled professionals. To achieve the required soft, uniform lighting across the entire structure of the tower, 30 CAPITAL 300 in 3000K warm white color temperature, equipped with spot, medium, or wide optics, were installed in groups of three on dedicated poles positioned around the structure. Additionally, 80 CAPITAL 100 units with ultra-spot optics in the same warm white light were installed in pairs at the base of the support ribs encircling the upper part of the tower. These provide dynamic accents that highlight these unique architectural features at night. Where necessary, the luminaires were fitted with dedicated visors to prevent unpleasant glare. A custom RAL finish was applied to ensure a perfect match with the colour of the walls.

Regardless of its undeniable impact on the Milan skyline, the intervention on the Velasca Tower, as part of a broader permanent lighting project that also includes the adjacent square, ensures that this iconic structure stands out while maintaining the utmost respect for its architectural significance and historic value.

The requalification of the Velasca Tower is overseen by Asti Architetti studio, in collaboration with ARS Aedificandi, CEAS studio, ESA Engineering, and in continuous consultation with the Milan Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape Authority.

Credits:
Lighting Design: E.S.A. Engineering S.r.l.
Commissioning engineering: Myrilia
Authorised distributor: Hi Lite Next Srl
Investor and Development manager: Hines Italy
Fund manager: Prelios SGR
Pictures: Foto © Albo - Courtesy Hines Italy

Products installed:
4X CAPITAL 300 SPOT 3000K DMX-RDM ANTHRACITE RAL 7016 CLASS II
4X CAPITAL 300 MEDIUM 3000K DMX-RDM ANTHRACITE RAL 7016 CLASS II
4X VISOR CAPITAL 300 ANTRACITE RAL 7016
4X CAPITAL 300 WIDE 3000K DMX-RDM ANTHRACITE RAL 7016 CLASSE II
8X VISOR CAPITAL 300 ANTRACITE RAL 7016
80X CAPITAL 100 ULTRA SPOT 3000K DMX-RDM CUSTOM RAL
60X VISOR CAPITAL 100 US CUSTOM RAL
7X CAPITAL 300 SPOT 3000K DMX-RDM CUSTOM RAL SANDED CLASS II
18X VISOR CAPITAL 300 CUSTOM RAL 100 SANDED
9X CAPITAL 300 WIDE 3000K DMX-RDM CUSTOM RAL SANDED CLASS II
2X CAPITAL 300 MEDIUM 3000K DMX-RDM CUSTOM RAL SANDED CLASS II