i + D - January/February 2021 - 16

Design
Pulse
Milan
The interior of
Passerella was
designed with a
chic circular floor
pattern to indicate
6 feet for safe
social distancing.

COVID-19 Vaccination Pavilions by
Stefano Boeri Architetti and Stefano Boeri Interiors
" With a flower, Italy comes back to life. " This sentiment inspired
the pop-up coronavirus vaccination pavilions that Milan-based
Stefano Boeri conceived and is developing as a pro bono
project, commissioned by the Italian special commissioner for
the COVID-19 emergency, Domenico Arcuri. The scope of the
project includes the campaign logo-for which Boeri selected
the Primrose, the first blossom to bloom after winter-and
1,500 temporary pavilions that can be easily set up, dismantled,
and reassembled in piazzas throughout Italy. The sustainable,
circular structures will be constructed of a timber frame, covered
with recyclable, biodegradable, and water-resistant textiles, and
topped with a roof featuring the flower logo and comprising a
system of photovoltaic panels that generate enough electricity
to satisfy the needs of the pavilion.

(Rendering by
Arturo Tedeschi)

Of this project, Boeri has said: " With the image of a springtime
flower, we wanted to create an architecture that would convey
a symbol of serenity and regeneration. Getting vaccinated will be
an act of civic responsibility, love for others, and the rediscovery
of life. If this virus has locked us up in hospitals and homes, the
vaccine will bring us back into contact with life and the nature
that surrounds us. "
Milan's historical 1503 tram
model inspired Arturo Tedeschi's
design of Passerella.
(Rendering by Arturo Tedeschi)

With the project completed at the end of December 2020, the
technical committee is now evaluating implementation and logistics,
and pavilions will be used in spring for mass vaccination.

Passerella by Arturo Tedeschi
During lockdown in the spring, traffic congestion in Milan
dropped 30 to 75 percent, along with air pollution, which inspired
city officials to formulate the ambitious Strade Aperte plan to
reduce car use and promote pedestrians, cyclists, and public
transportation post-pandemic in the densely populated small city.
In response, local architect Arturo Tedeschi created the prototype
for a tram called Passerella that's based on Milan's iconic ATM
Class 1500 tram circa 1929 but updated with technology and
social distancing solutions for 2021-the interior includes
plexiglass shields to separate seats along with floor markers to
denote safe distances for passengers.
" Milano is a city rooted in fashion design. Fashion was
the antidote in the early 80s when the city overcame one of the
darkest moments of its history (terrorism), and I think fashion
can be an antidote in this post-COVID moment, " Tedeschi says.
" When I designed the tram, I immediately thought that the
corridor could be imagined as a fashion runway. ('Passerella' is
the Italian name for 'runway.') "

With the graphic element of the
flower as a beacon, Stefano Boeri's
COVID-19 Vaccination Pavilions
will be popping up in piazzas
throughout Italy to facilitate mass
vaccination this spring.
(Rendering by Stefano Boeri Architetti)

When describing this concept that's still in its preliminary stage
while he's seeking investors, Tedeschi explains, " I used free-form
geometries and materials to create a scenography more than
a vehicle interior. Along with the idea of sustainable mobility,
Passerella is intended to communicate the idea that an appealing
design solution can be a driver for a change in the perception
and use of public transportation. "

16
378_027_i+D_Jan_Feb 2021_v3.indd 16

DANINE ALATI
is a freelance writer and editor with a focus
on lifestyle and design content. Her work
has appeared in Architectural Digest's online
vertical AD PRO, DuJour magazine, Galerie
magazine, Contract magazine, and Home
Design & Decor, among other outlets.

i+D - January/February 2021

21-01-27 18:26

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