A historic early 20th-century villa in Milan's Certosa District has been dramatically transformed into Club Giovanile Milano, a unique hospitality venue that combines dining, a listening bar, and live music performance spaces. The 250-square-meter renovation project, completed in 2025 by co.arch studio, represents a striking example of adaptive reuse in one of Milan's most vibrant gastronomic neighborhoods.
The building's journey through time tells a remarkable story of urban transformation. Originally constructed in the early 1900s, the structure served various purposes throughout its lifetime, including functioning as a slaughterhouse and later becoming a squat before eventually being abandoned as a forgotten fragment of the city. The Certosa District itself has undergone significant regeneration, promoted by RealStep, and has emerged as Milan's most dynamic culinary hub.
The architectural team, led by Andrea Pezzoli and including designers Giulia Urciuoli, Matteo Torti, Gaia Uslenghi, and Federica Leonardi, approached the renovation with a vision that bridges cyberpunk aesthetics with the intimate atmosphere of a listening bar. The design seamlessly integrates multiple functions within the compact space, creating distinct zones for dining, music listening, and live performances while maintaining a cohesive visual identity throughout.
The project incorporates high-quality materials and fixtures from renowned manufacturers including Artemide and Egoluce for lighting solutions, and Genuit for specialized building components. Stone materials play a prominent role in the design palette, creating a sophisticated contrast with more contemporary elements. The interior design was handled by OTS, while RCM served as the general contractor for the comprehensive renovation.
Photographer Simone Bossi's documentation of the completed space reveals how the architects successfully balanced the building's historical character with bold contemporary interventions. The lighting design particularly stands out, creating atmospheric environments that can adapt to different uses throughout the day and evening, from casual dining to intimate musical performances.
Club Giovanile Milano now serves as a testament to the power of thoughtful architectural intervention in urban regeneration. The project demonstrates how abandoned or underutilized historic structures can be given new life through creative programming and sensitive design, contributing to the broader revitalization of Milan's evolving neighborhoods while preserving important architectural heritage.
