For more than four centuries, the Sanpaolo Imi bank has been deeply rooted in Italian society. Planning a new headquarters coincides with the aspiration of the bank to exhibit a mixture of reliability and greater openness. The concept is to portray Sanpaolo in a more contemporary light.

The site located in the new heart of Turin does not necessarily require a high-rise building, but would also allow for a more horizontal and or mixed massing. The design lifts the horizontal volume up to its maximum height; employees and users get a view over the city, creating an inspirational working environment for all. The classical tower becomes a floating tower, hovering between heaven and earth.

Standing on the plaza in the Portico, one looks up into the floating office spaces, and down into the lobby. Visible is an ‘open’ bank where dialogue takes place; the building welcomes you with a central café for customers, visitors, tourists, locals and employees. The easily accessible congress centre has a public deck on top, and overlooks the park. The project creates a place for discussion, events, mixing culture and banking, all at the same time.