Fondazione Bertarelli: A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Acoustics

Edoardo Milesi's Concert Hall Design Echoes Nature's Golden Proportions

The Fondazione Bertarelli, also known as the Bertarelli Concert Hall, is a masterpiece of design and engineering. Drawing inspiration from the natural environment, Edoardo Milesi envisioned a structure that would not only house musical performances but also enhance their acoustics. The result is a building that is both a part of the orchestra and a new musical instrument in itself.

Milesi's design is unique in its use of golden proportions, a concept often found in nature and art. These proportions were carefully applied to improve the acoustics of the concert hall, ensuring that the building's form was neither too rigid nor out of sync with its surroundings. The result is a structure that radiates aesthetic values from its very core, rather than merely adding them as an afterthought.

The Bertarelli Concert Hall was constructed using a variety of materials, including coloured reinforced concrete, gypsum plaster, and wood. The building's main structure is a single shape, inspired by the golden section and divided into two parts: the theatre and a multipurpose hall. This innovative design approach resulted in a building that is both functional and visually striking.

The design process for the Fondazione Bertarelli was not without its challenges. The concert hall had to be built from scratch, and the design team had to ensure that it would fit seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Despite these obstacles, the project was completed successfully, with the concert hall opening its doors in November 2014.

The Fondazione Bertarelli is more than just a concert hall. It is a testament to the power of innovative design and the potential for architecture to enhance our experiences. As Edoardo Milesi stated, "Aesthetic values are not perceived as added, they are part of the building and radiate from it." This philosophy is evident in every aspect of the Bertarelli Concert Hall, from its golden proportions to its harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.

In recognition of its innovative design, the Fondazione Bertarelli was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.