NOI Techpark
Repurposing a neglected architectural gem to create a new economic engine in South Tyrol The NOI (Nature of Innovation) Techpark project in Bolzano involved the refurbishment of two rationalist-style factory buildings and the construction of a new one as an architectural bridge between the existing listed structures. The complex houses a wide range of innovation companies, university research institutions and training centres, and is designed as an engine for economic development throughout the whole South Tyrol region.
Photography by © Alessandra Chemollo
Chapman Taylor conceived and designed the new technology park in collaboration with local architects Studio CL&AA on behalf of clients BLS Solution and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. The brief was to create a technology park at a disused former aluminium factory site for use by the local university and technology R&D companies, with the design architecturally expressing those activities. The project involved the refurbishment of the two listed buildings and the construction of a connecting building, named ?The Black Monolith?. The existing buildings were built in a pleasing Rationalist style but were in disrepair and were full of obsolete equipment. The buildings were emptied before the huge spaces were adapted for their new roles. It was fundamental that the listed buildings be refurbished in a sensitive way, using the equipment and materials which would have been used in the past. The landm...