Merlata Bloom

Merlata Bloom is the new eco-sustainable shopping center in the heart of Milan's first urban smart district. The complex consists of two futuristic buildings connected to the ex-Expo/Mind area thanks to a pedestrian bridge and, in detail, houses 190 shops, 40 restaurants and bars, a Fresh Market, 10,000 square meters dedicated to “innovative and immersive entertainment” and a multiplex cinema. The jewel in the crown of the building is certainly the “Winter Garden” bioclimatic greenhouse, a passive solar greenhouse system that guarantees optimal comfort without equipment thanks to a temperature-controlled environment — warm in winter and cool in summer. To complete, internal gardens and large terraces so as not to lose contact with nature, the first inspiration behind the project.

For the main roof of the shopping center, a particular architectural structure has been created with high performance, which makes it possible to exploit natural light and let it penetrate inside as the main lighting source.

Gualini was responsible for designing, supplying and installing the wood, steel, aluminum and glass roof for the two large glass galleries of the building, for a project that - starting from the name - recalls sustainability in all its parts, a value widely shared by the company.