The Architects who shaped Citylife

CityLife is the result of the bold vision of great masters of contemporary architecture. Through their iconic towers and innovative architectural language, they have transformed the former trade fair grounds into a new urban center—a symbol of modernity, sustainability, and beauty. Their work has redefined Milan’s skyline, shaping a space where art, functionality, and the future come together.

  • zaha hadid

    Zaha Hadid

    Zaha Hadid (1950-2016) was one of the most influential architects of our time. Winner of the Pritzker Prize in 2004 and the Stirling Prize in 2010 and 2011, she is recognized as a pioneer of deconstructivist architecture. Born in Baghdad and naturalized British, Hadid revolutionized architectural language with her fluid, dynamic, and visionary forms. At CityLife, she designed the iconic curves of the Generali Tower—an emblem of architectural innovation in the heart of Milan. Her works reflect a constant dialogue between art, urbanism, and design. She was the first woman to receive the RIBA Royal Gold Medal, leaving a lasting mark on the history of contemporary architecture.
  • Bjarke Ingels
    CityWave render

    Bjarke Ingels

    Bjarke Ingels (1974), founder of the Danish firm BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, is the visionary architect behind CityWave, the latest iconic building in CityLife Milano. Internationally renowned for his innovative and sustainable approach, Ingels designed a futuristic structure that seamlessly blends aesthetics, functionality, and environmental consciousness. CityWave stands out for its distinctive undulating roof, entirely covered with photovoltaic panels—a symbol of a new generation of green architecture. The project embodies Bjarke Ingels’ philosophy: turning sustainability into a desirable and visually compelling element capable of redefining the relationship between cities, nature, and people.
  • Torre Isozaki
    Arata Isozaki.

    Arata Isozaki

    Arata Isozaki (1931-2022) is one of Japan’s most prominent contemporary architects and a Pritzker Prize laureate (2019). Known for his eclectic and ever-evolving style, Isozaki has seamlessly merged Eastern and Western design principles in visionary projects across the globe. In Milan, he authored the Allianz Tower—nicknamed “Il Dritto” (The Straight One)—a symbol of the CityLife district and a striking feature of the city’s new skyline. His approach combines formal elegance with urban context, balancing functionality and form. Isozaki’s forward-thinking vision and ability to anticipate design trends have made him a leading figure in postmodern architecture and a key contributor to the cities of the 21st century.
  • Residenze Libeskind
    Daniel Libeskind

    Daniel Libeskind

    Daniel Libeskind (1946) is a Polish-American architect and theorist celebrated for his symbolic and visionary architectural language. A leading figure in Deconstructivist architecture, Libeskind is known for landmark projects such as the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the master plan for the World Trade Center in New York. In Milan, he designed the PwC Tower, infusing the CityLife skyline with a bold blend of aesthetic depth, innovation, and memory. With its fluid and elegant silhouette, the tower reflects Libeskind’s ability to unite form and meaning, turning architecture into a narrative. His distinctive style has helped shape CityLife into a symbol of urban futurism, where art, design, and architecture coexist harmoniously.
  • Render Padel Pavilion
    Fabio Novembre

    Fabio Novembre

    For over twenty-five years, under the leadership of Fabio Novembre (1966), Novembre Studio has been active in various design fields, including architecture, interiors, product, and graphic design. Its portfolio includes buildings for major private institutions, hotels, retail systems, and residential projects. With an expressive and cinematic approach, the studio develops each project with the firm intention of telling a new three-dimensional story every time. Thanks to the visionary approach and highly recognizable signature style of its founder, Novembre Studio’s projects are published worldwide.