Architectural Landmarks and Urban Impact of the Tre Torri Skyscrapers in CityLife, Milan

A Symbol of Milan's Contemporary Skyline in the CityLife Masterplan

The Tre Torri Skyscrapers—also known as the Three Towers—are the architectural centerpiece of the CityLife district in Milan's Municipio 8. Situated on the site of the former Fiera Milano trade fair grounds, the CityLife project represents one of the largest urban redevelopment efforts in Europe. The towers were designed by three internationally renowned architects: Zaha Hadid, Arata Isozaki, and Daniel Libeskind, each contributing a distinct signature to Milan's modern skyline.

The towers—respectively called Torre Hadid (Generali Tower), Torre Isozaki (Allianz Tower), and Torre Libeskind (PwC Tower)—stand in visual dialogue with one another, reflecting different philosophies of vertical architecture. Torre Isozaki, at 209 meters including antenna, is the tallest building in Italy. Torre Hadid is notable for its twisted profile, while Torre Libeskind has a curved, sloping silhouette that adds a sculptural quality to the ensemble.

Their location in the CityLife neighborhood places them at the heart of a pedestrian-friendly, car-free zone integrated with green spaces, residential complexes, and public art installations. This juxtaposition of height and openness forms a unique urban environment that contrasts with Milan's historic low-rise core.

Torre Isozaki, Torre Hadid, and Torre Libeskind: Distinct Identities and Uses

Torre Isozaki, often referred to as Il Dritto (The Straight One), was designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki in collaboration with Andrea Maffei. It houses the headquarters of Allianz Italia and features 50 floors above ground. The tower's design emphasizes repetition and transparency, using floor-to-ceiling glass to convey a sense of openness. A double-deck elevator system, among the fastest in Europe, facilitates access throughout the structure.

Torre Hadid, also known as Lo Storto (The Twisted One), was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. Completed in 2017, it is the headquarters for Generali Group. The tower's dynamic, spiraling form defies traditional notions of verticality and is engineered to withstand seismic activity while preserving its visual fluidity. The tower comprises 44 floors and rises to 177 meters, with flexible office layouts and panoramic views.

Torre Libeskind, or Il Curvo (The Curved One), was the last of the three to be completed and now hosts the Milan office of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Designed by American-Polish architect Daniel Libeskind, its curved form represents a broken shard or sail, suggesting movement and change. At 175 meters, the tower has 28 floors above ground and serves as both a corporate and symbolic anchor at the southern end of the piazza.

Integration with CityLife Shopping District and Tre Torri Metro Station

The Tre Torri complex is physically and conceptually integrated with the surrounding CityLife commercial and public space infrastructure. At the base of the towers is the CityLife Shopping District, which includes over 80 retail stores, restaurants, and a cinema complex. The underground layout complements the towers above, maintaining a balance between vertical and horizontal movement.

Pedestrian pathways connect the towers to a series of parks and landscaped areas, including the vast Parco CityLife. This green expanse spans approximately 173,000 square meters and plays a key role in making the entire development pedestrian-friendly and environmentally sustainable. The proximity of residential areas to the towers fosters a mixed-use character, enhancing everyday livability in the neighborhood.

Tre Torri is directly served by the M5 metro line, with a namesake station—Tre Torri—located beneath the plaza. The station enables rapid connection to other parts of Milan, including Porta Garibaldi, San Siro, and Bicocca. This accessibility supports high commuter volumes while reducing dependence on car traffic, aligning with the development's broader ecological goals.

Urban Planning, Environmental Features, and Cultural Significance

CityLife and the Tre Torri Skyscrapers were conceived as a sustainable urban alternative to Milan's earlier development models. The buildings meet LEED Gold certification standards and feature energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and water-saving infrastructure. The plaza at their base is designed as an inclusive civic space, often hosting art installations, pop-up markets, and seasonal events that invite public engagement.

The towers function as corporate landmarks, but they also serve a symbolic role in Milan's broader transformation from industrial capital to global cultural and financial center. Their visibility from afar and their prominence in photographs and promotional materials mark them as icons of contemporary Milan. The names and design principles of the towers reflect international collaboration and architectural experimentation.

Local response to the Tre Torri towers has generally been positive, with many Milanese viewing the structures as proof of the city's evolving identity. While some have criticized the scale or contrast with nearby historic buildings, the overall impact has been to elevate Milan's status on the global architectural stage. The Tre Torri complex exemplifies how post-industrial redevelopment can foster not just economic growth but also urban beauty and sustainability.