Four world-leading architecture firms were shortlisted in the tender, each renowned for their innovative and futuristic projects.
Description of the project by BIG
Our proposal for S. Pellegrino’s new home in the heart of Bergamo is an authentic extension of the rational and functional architecture of the existing factory, where the natural mineral water has been bottled since 1899.
Located in the Brembana valley between the Brembo river and at the foot of the Italian alps, our proposal embraces and enhances the existing architecture while forming an elegant framework that will allow the visitors to sense the power and purity of the surrounding Alpine nature.
The design is evolved around a well-known architectural element: the archway. The simple and clear character of the expanding and contracting arches throughout the campus, create a multitude of spaces and experiences. The visitors and S. Pellegrino employees will walk through majestic vaults, covered tunnels, arcades and green pergolas that frame the history and heritage of the brand. The seriality of the architecture will reveal parts of the surrounding mountains from the snowcapped summit to the running river at the base. At the center of the campus, a giant geological biopsy will visualize the 30-year journey the mineral water has to travel through to acquire the minerals and achieve the purity that is unique to S. Pellegrino. The new S. Pellegrino Campus will appear disciplined yet fluid; cavernous yet transparent; unifying yet diverse; classic yet contemporary. Celebrating both tradition and evolution the architecture of the new campus reflects the values of San Pellegrino Terme as well as the core values of the Sanpellegrino Group: Purity, Transparency and Naturality.
Architect's statement:
“Shaped by the serpentine run of the Brembo river and the sloping Alpine mountainsides, our proposal for the new S. Pellegrino Campus inherits its narrative structure from the landscape of the Brembana valley. Like an aquatic equivalent of a wine cellar, the repeating archways expand and contract to create the narrative framework for the purity and clarity of the mineral water, in an environment characterized by lightness, openness and transparency. The architecture of manmade elements is embraced and enhanced by the forces of nature, tapping into the rhythmic rationality of the industrial heritage of S. Pellegrino while eliminating the traditional segregation between front and back of house, creating a seamless continuity between production and consumption, preparation and enjoyment.”
Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner, BIG.
President and CEO of Sanpellegrino, Stefano Agostini, commented that “We think this project is very consistent with our values and heritage. Its focus on purity, nature and transparency is in line with our mission of ensuring the future of water. The proposed arc approach integrates the existing plant into the surrounding valley, allowing one to visually experience the power and purity of nature. BIG’s proposal works with and enhances the territory where S.Pellegrino originates, adding a modern touch of style”.
Curated by Professor Luca Molinari the judging committee was comprised of Marco Settembri, Executive Vice President Nestlé S.A., Head of Nestlé Waters, Magdi Batato, Executive Vice President Nestlé S.A., Head of Operations, Stefano Agostini, President and CEO of Sanpellegrino S.p.A, in addition to international personalities.
Updates on project phases will be available on www.sanpellegrino.com and on S.Pellegrino’s social media channels with the hashtag #SanPellegrinoNewHome.
