AN OLD
FACTORY
PRADA Fundation
PRADA is not just a fashion paradigm, but a cultural epicenter as well
We all know that PRADA is one of the most known fashion brands in the world, but in recent years, it has also become particularly worried about the promotion of artistic expression, and after having listened to a lot of talking of Milan’s new space I wish you could tell us what exactly “PRADA Fondazione” is.
All right, let’s begin by its origins, it was created in 1993 with the goal of including art, architecture, cinema, and philosophy in one place. It has a place in Venice since 2011 and a new one in Milan since 2015, it is a previous distillery dating back to 1910 and the one that I want to talk you about today. Located in the southern area of Milan, in Largo Isaacco, it is an extraordinary example of industrial archaeology, a concept created in its entirety by OMA studio, and directed by Rem Koolhaas.
This whole thing about industrial archaeology and recovering spaces previously destined for other purposes seems very interesting to me, please talk to me about the intervention process that the factory went through.
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About the intervention process, I can tell you that the renovation of old buildings didn’t alter the original structures and neither its industrial nature, although in some cases the process was very strong like in the silos, which have a unique golden exterior. Another interesting aspect is that the complex is not directly connected, that is, in order to go from one building to another one has to exit and re-enter through courtyards, steep slopes and narrow staircases that were once part of the original factory routes, this manages to create an effect worth discovering.
Tell me, Andrea, what can I find inside the Foundation?
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The PRADA Foundation includes new buildings like the theater and the tower, the latter still under construction, which along the old blocks; offer an art-dedicated exhibit center for Milan as well as an academy for children, a book store and a bar.
The bar was designed by Wes Anderson and it represents the ambient of Milan’s cafes of the 50’s and 60´s and in spite of looking a bit over-the-top, I generally like it, the bar is warm and cozy, the wing (no sé de qué clase de aleta se habla) and the formica (ant?) piece of furniture are amusing (or fun).
Andrea, do you definitely recommend us visiting Fondazione PRADA?
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Absolutely, the Foundation is a beautiful space and it must be visited because, besides its beauty, it is very attractive for contemporary art exhibits, although, it is worth stating that the collection didn’t catch any of my interest.
