Flexa armchairs for the Aula Maggiore “Roberto Franceschi” at Bocconi University
The seats contribute to recreating the essential lines and rigorous interiors envisioned by Giuseppe Pagano, perfectly aligning with a project aimed at excellence in acoustics, technology, and attention to detail
Bocconi University—an outstanding European institution for studies in economics, management, political science, law, and computer science—is renovating the Aula Maggiore of its first building, “Sarfatti 25”, inspired by the Bauhaus building in Dessau by Walter Gropius and designed by Giuseppe Pagano, a pivotal figure in the architectural movement towards Rationalism.
Named after Roberto Franceschi, a Bocconi student who lost his life in 1973 during clashes in front of the University, the lecture hall has undergone regulatory and technological renovation works aimed at inclusiveness and high acoustic performance, based on a design by the Milan-based studio Avenue Architects. The renovation wanted to preserve distinctive features of the original architecture: attention to detail and essential, rigorous lines for the interiors.
Arranged in straight rows on a sloped floor to eliminate architectural barriers, the 360 Flexa – Dante Bonuccelli armchairs play a key role in meeting these objectives. The seats are available in various configurations, reflecting a focus on both detail and flexibility. The first-row seats feature an enlarged side to house tip-up foldaway writing tables with anti-panic movement. The remaining seats, featuring integrated writing tables and power outlets in the backrest, were designed with narrower sides. All the armchairs are made from 100% FSC® C134805 certified wood from responsibly managed forests and upholstered in faux leather. Seats and rows were numbered using brass elements.
The supply also included four special modules for people with disabilities, without seats and equipped with extended sides that incorporate writing surfaces. Lastly, LAMM installed a fixed platform with both flat and sloped sections, consisting of a metal structure and plywood panels with a pre-finished oak wood finish.
Project: Aula Maggiore “R. Franceschi” – Bocconi University
Client: Bocconi University
Location: Milan, Italy
Architect: Avenue Architects
Year: 2023
LAMM supply: 360 Flexa armchairs — Dante Bonuccelli
1 platform
Photo: Images Courtesy of Avenue Architects | Ph. Morgan Orlandi