Milan, LAMM systems for the precious Liberty style spaces of Palazzo Mercalli, the new headquarters of Università degli Studi di Milano
F50 armchairs and Q3000 study benches enhance the historic setting, blending delicately into the magnificent Auditorium and the light-filled classrooms.
From a former boarding house – erected in the early decades of the 20th century by Cardinal Ferrari – to a modern educational and administrative hub for the Università degli Studi di Milano: Palazzo Mercalli, significant example of late Liberty style, has been reborn following a meticulous restoration and refurbishment project led by the renowned Politecnica Building for Humans studio, in collaboration with the equally esteemed Studio Valle Progettazioni.
A philological restoration project that has safeguarded the historical identity of the complex (approximately 8,000 square meters) while adapting it to the contemporary needs of a dynamic and ever-evolving university environment. The spaces were restored through meticulous subtraction, removing the layers accumulated over time and re-establishing the original proportions. Particular care was taken in the conservation and restoration of the decorative elements, such as the graffito façades, the decorated ceilings and the historic marble tile flooring. The spaces, transformed into flexible areas for work, learning and socialising, have regained precious and previously lost elements, such as the frescoed apse belonging to the ancient chapel discovered during the works. The restoration has thus brought to light architectural features and decorative details once hidden by the passage of time, as in the case of the Auditorium, where the F50 – R&D LAMM armchairs have been installed.
Preserving and enhancing the complex’s historical identity, while successfully meeting the demands of its new uses, was the objective of both the restoration project and LAMM’s supply. The colour palette and minimalist design of the armchairs harmonize perfectly with the auditorium’s magnificent setting, a space enriched by a fresco towards which the seats are oriented and by an elegant, decorated wooden ceiling. The F50 armchairs integrate discreetly and respectfully, engaging with the historical character of the space without overpowering it.
The brown upholstery, made of 100% Trevira CS polyester, harmoniously complements the warm tones of the hall and the splendid ceilings. The fabric is OEKO-TEX® certified and bears the ecological quality mark of the European Union (EU Ecolabel), attesting its commitment to health safety and environmental sustainability. This environmental commitment is also reflected in the wood materials selection, FSC® C134805 certified, that is sourced from responsibly managed forests and other controlled material.
Each armchair is perfectly suited to the needs of modern education, thanks to tip-up writing tablets with foldaway anti-panic movement and provision for electric power supply, which includes power sockets. Practicality but also attention to detail: each seat is in fact embellished with a numbered brass plaque, perfectly in line with the formal and aesthetic style of the room.
For the classrooms, LAMM has also supplied Q3000 study benches – Lucci e Orlandini, featuring tabletops, panels, backrests and seats in beech laminate from ABET Laminati. The wood tones help to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere within the bright classroom spaces. Here too, the design blends harmoniously with the surroundings, enhancing the historic spaces. The seating system is equipped with tip-up writing table with anti-panic drop system, integrated storage racks and provisions for electric power supply and data cables.
To complete the supply, custom-made teacher’s desks, whose shapes and finishes have been designed to ensure continuity and coherence with the identity of the spaces.
Project name: Università degli Studi di Milano – Palazzo Mercalli
Location: Milan, Italy
Architectural and restoration project: Politecnica Building for Humans
Project partner: Studio Valle Progettazioni
Year: 2025
LAMM supply: F50 armchairs – R&D LAMM | Q3000 study benches – Lucci e Orlandini | custom-made teacher’s desks
Photographs: Andrea Bosio