• Featured on Ed.11
  • SPRING 2024

Urban outlook: Manifattura Tabacchi

Manifattura Tabacchi, one of the main urban regeneration projects in Italy, has brought new life to the former tobacco factory a short distance from the city centre.

Out of use since 2001, the factory area has undergone extensive work in order to become an inclusive and sustainable neighbourhood, with plans to further its complete regeneration by 2026. Having been transformed into a hub for contemporary culture, art and fashion, the goal is to create a completely renovated area with streets, squares and parks that are accessible and open to all, while already making significant improvements such as the creation of underground parking with 800 spaces and a new kindergarten.

The Manifattura Tabacchi project consists in 16 buildings, with a total of 110,000 sqm which will be transformed into a functional mix divided between lofts and residences, office spaces, stores, cafés, restaurants, accommodation for students and a hotel.

The works carried out honour the site’s former function as a tobacco factory, with the Caveau exhibition space offering the opportunity to explore the history and heritage of Manifattura Tabacchi. Guided tours take you through the machinery, decorative items, fixtures and materials found, that have been carefully catalogued and displayed. A strong mission of sustainability is at the foundation of the projects, with works carried out in full compliance with ESG standards. The entire residential project obtained the highest standards of environmental sustainability, receiving the BREEAM Excellent certification. Officina Botanica is the green hub of the complex, located on the rooftop of the central building, reaching over 560 m2, with 96 trees and 1,300 shrubs and perennials, it’s a feat of the industrial architecture to feature such biodiverse greenery.

The first residential project was presented in September 2022, consisting of 45 units with a high level of design, in the context of two historic buildings, working to preserve the original architecture. It was developed across 25,000 m2 by Patricia Urquiola, a leading figure in international architecture and design, and by the q-bic studio.

Cultural innovation is also at the heart of Manifattura Tabacchi with prestigious institutions such as Polimoda Fashion School opening their third headquarters in the iconic building with the clock, today attended by over 800 international students. Set to be added is the European Heritage Research Infrastructure, dedicated to the scientific conservation of cultural heritage, thanks to the purchase of a portion of the building by Fondazione CR Firenze, in agreement with the National Research Council.

The Factory opened in April 2023, a cutting-edge creative hub and workplace capable of attracting an international community of professionals who want to live and work in Florence. The lively community and eco-friendly spaces include areas dedicated to culture, fashion, art and design, becoming the heart of Manifattura Tabacchi with its many eateries, stores, offices and varied events calendar. Architects Luca and Marco Baldini of the Florentine q-bic studio, supported by landscape architect Antonio Perazzi, are behind the creation of the space. 

Among the many food offerings on-site is the Bulli&Balene restaurant and American Bar, inspired by the Venetian bacari, with Hiroko Bento e vini fatti a modo made to order. Cuchiss Lab produces pastries such as brownies, cupcakes and muffins, and Bottega Biologica offers gastronomic delights procured from small, local farms. Shake Café offers a carefully crafted seasonal menu based on local ingredients, with popular pizzeria Berberè a recent addition onsite, exclusively using sourdough and organic stone-ground flour with 24-hour leavening and seasonal toppings. Po’Stò presents both sweet and savoury breakfast options, with a rich lunch selection and a feel-good atmosphere at aperitivo hour, while VIVIDO is a space for gastronomic and musical entertainment, open until late with an ever changing cocktail menu.

The Toast Project Space, founded in 2019 in the former porter’s lodge, supports contemporary artistic research through the production of site-specific projects, while Associazione Arte Continua carries out free public art initiatives involving significant artists from the international art community.

The cultural calendar is ever-interesting: artist and experimental designer Duccio Maria Gambi welcomes a new space, and Veda, the contemporary art gallery directed by Gianluca Gentili curates a contemporary and experimental selection, with Emily Jones’ The Muddy Choir currently on show. The gallery-show-room ZOO _Hub brings together and promotes research in design, while Opera Prima is an interior company that furnishes any type of environment.

Fashion comes in the form of the SUPERDUPER hat brand that combines the highest craftsmanship with contemporary research, and LUNEDĪ is an addition by Alessandra Lunedì, who creates upcycled tailored clothing that respects nature. Fàbera is a brand of ethical and sustainable jewellery and Archivi Sartoriali creates made-to-measure items, whereas Captain Santors reinterprets the work clothes of fishermen and sailors. Cool Farm is Mauna Kea®’s artisanal streetwear brand and renowned luxury fashion e-tailer. Relaxation and regeneration come in the form of Divine Estetica beauty center; LOSTUDIOESSE pilates and yoga and Polverenera Parrucchieri, the experts when it comes to hair. Noa Ink is noted for their tattoos and piercings, founded by international artist Noa Yanni, and you’ll also find Blues Barber, inspired by the ancient Sicilian tradition and blues music. Fitness fanatics will be pleased to hear that Trek Bikes also has a dedicated space, among the world leaders in the design and production of bicycles and accessories.

The joint venture was established in 2016 by the Group’s real estate company, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti with an ever-innovative outlook towards the future.

MANIFATTURA TABACCHI in numbers:

• 350 million euros total investment
16 existing buildings
• 4 newly built buildings
• mq 110,000 total surface area

divided in:

• mq 37,00 training, offices and co-working
• mq 35,900 residences and services
• mq 11,300 ateliers, workshops and concept stores
• mq 26,300 hotel, student housing and brewery
• mq 23,628 public areas

DF Mags
  • Featured on Ed.12
  • AUTUMN/WINTER 2024
  • Featured on Ed.12
  • AUTUMN/WINTER 2024
  • Featured on Ed.12
  • AUTUMN/WINTER 2024
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