Salewa Headquarters

The new headquarters of Salewa, one of the most important manufacturing firms in Bolzano, is integrated into the landscape at the point where the city of Bolzano meets the uncontaminated nature of the mountains. As well as housing new work spaces, the building aims to provide a space of interaction and communication between the company and its network of suppliers, partners and clients. The headquarters represents a point of convergence between different elements of everyday life: from physical, social and communicative dimensions to work styles and leisure. The Salewa complex is formed by a series of multifaceted slabs and towers, including a 50 metrehigh structure which is currently the tallest building in the city.

The project combines an electro-coloured micro-perforated aluminium skin which protects the most exposed south-facing parts, while the north-facing side consist of a large vertical glass covering. The resulting visual effect is that of a rock crystal. The interplay between the thin sheet metal-like pillars and the delicate protective layers frame the façades and underline the contrast between the invisible and visible areas. Situated in a particular geographic location, this complex represents a place of information exchange between the dense web of material and immaterial relations that constitute the life of a modern company. 30.595 sq/m