Back to the Archive: The Starting Point

When working on the design of Cucina Triennale, the restaurant and café belonging to Milan’s design institution, architect Luca Cipelletti and his team turned to the Triennale archives. This served as their primary source of inspiration.

Reviving the Original Designs

While exploring the documents, the team discovered drawings from 1933 of the original tables designed by Gigiotti Zanini specifically for this restaurant. This moment highlights the significance of archives. They act as collective memory repositories that reconnect the present with the past.

Blending History with Technology

In order to preserve this legacy, the task of reissuing the original design was entrusted to the studio. They were supported by UniFor, a brand under the Molteni Group. Through this collaboration, historical memory was brought back to life. It merged with contemporary technologies to produce furniture that meets today’s needs without losing its original spirit.

A Strategic Location Connected to Nature

Cucina Triennale is situated in the Piano Parco area of Milan. It enjoys a location that directly overlooks the Triennale garden. This setting highlights how modern architectural spaces can harmoniously integrate with their surrounding environment. They open their boundaries to green spaces.

Reinterpreting Historic Furniture

As another step towards preserving the original spirit of the place, a new seating design was created. It is named the Triennale Chair. Developed by Studio Klass and produced by UniFor, the chair offers a contemporary vision. It is inspired by the historic character of the building’s furnishings.

Practical Features Blending Beauty and Function

The new chair stands out for its practical qualities. It is made entirely of wood, easily stackable, and designed with a studied balance between solidity and simplicity. These features emphasize the importance of combining functionality with aesthetic value in contemporary design.

Bespoke Architectural Details

In addition, Cipelletti designed bespoke fixed elements for the space, produced by a specialized Italian furniture company. Key features include:
• A large polished oak counter integrated with four glass shelves. It also includes a smart-opening door mechanism.
• Six wall niches fitted with full-height wardrobes, low cabinets, glass shelves, mirrors, and fixed panels in dark-stained oak.

Merging Function with Design

To ensure visual coherence and user convenience, polished oak cloakrooms were added, featuring counters with lacquered fronts and pivoting doors. This approach shows how permanent architectural elements can strengthen the harmony between practicality and refined aesthetics within a space.

Part of a Broader Renovation Project

The new restaurant represents an extension of a wider renovation plan for the Triennale building in Milan, overseen by architect Luca Cipelletti in collaboration with UniFor.

Preserving the Original Design Spirit

This project aims to revive the original spaces while ensuring harmony with the design vision created by Giovanni Muzio in 1933. Here, the importance of respecting the building’s historical features becomes clear. They are adapted to meet modern-day functional needs.

Integrating Space with Nature

Thanks to its open layout, the restaurant’s spacious, light-filled interior naturally extends into the surrounding gardens. This reinforces the connection between the indoor area and the external natural elements.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Cucina Triennale project reveals a conscious architectural approach that connects memory with technology, reusing the archive as a source of creativity rather than a static record. This work highlights a balance between practical aesthetics and the preservation of the original design spirit, making it an exemplary model for projects that aim to renew without losing touch with their roots.

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