Allianz Tower – Arata Isozaki

The rational verticality of Arata Isozaki + Andrea Maffei

In the heart of the new CityLife district in Milan, the Allianz Tower It stands as the tallest skyscraper in Italy by number of floors. Designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, in collaboration with Andrea Maffei, the tower represents a declaration of intent: formal rigor, functional efficiency, and an aesthetic that considers simplicity as an architectural value. Also known as "The Obverse”, its slender form visually contrasts with the torsion of the nearby Generali Tower by Zaha Hadid and the dynamic curvature of Daniel Libeskind’s PwC Tower.

High 209 meters and 50 plans above ground, the Allianz Tower houses the offices of the Allianz insurance group and can accommodate up to 3.800 GuestsThe structure stands out for its essential design, a hallmark of Isozaki's style, which always favored clarity and formal lightness. In this case, the idea was to create a rational tower, where each element would find a precise and coherent place within the overall design.

A vertical record for Italy

When it was completed in 2015The Allianz Tower has set several records. Not only is it the tallest skyscraper in the country, but it also holds the European record for the number of usable floors, surpassing even more famous structures like The Shard in London, although the latter is taller in absolute terms. The tower's verticality is not merely a formal gesture: it also represents a functional choice, aimed at concentrating large work surfaces in a small footprint, optimizing internal layout and reducing the overall environmental impact.

The continuous glass and steel façade lends transparency and lightness, reflecting the sky and the urban environment. The slender, almost ascetic profile elegantly integrates into Milan's new skyline, becoming a visual landmark from multiple points in the city.

Efficiency, sustainability and construction innovation

From an engineering perspective, the tower represents an advanced example of structural design and sustainability. The central reinforced concrete core forms the load-bearing axis around which the steel and lightweight concrete floors extend, ensuring internal strength and flexibility.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the building is its impressive glass curtain wall, which extends over an area of over 26.000 square metersThe glass envelope, composed of curved and slightly offset elements, creates a visual effect of great lightness and depth. The windows seamlessly follow the vertical line, amplifying the effect of momentum and transparency. Each panel was designed and assembled with millimeter precision, leveraging parametric technologies to manage the curvature of the modules and the reflection of natural light.

This system not only has an aesthetic value, but also contributes to internal comfort, improving light diffusion and reducing the greenhouse effect. The high-performance thermal envelope, combined with intelligent air conditioning and solar shading systems, has allowed the building to achieve the LEED Gold certification, confirming the focus on energy efficiency and environmental respect.

Another notable feature is the elevator system, among the fastest installed in Italy, capable of covering the entire height of the building in just a few seconds. The vertical flow system was designed to ensure rapid travel between floors, enhancing the operational efficiency of the offices.

A symbolic space in the heart of CityLife

The Allianz Tower is more than just an office building. It's also a powerful signal of urban transformation. Its presence within the CityLife project, which has converted the former Fiera Campionaria area into one of Europe's most modern neighborhoods, demonstrates a new way of living and building in the city. The tower is surrounded by large pedestrian spaces, public parks, designer residences, and commercial areas.

The tower's pure and linear form reflects Isozaki's design philosophy: building not to impress, but to last. An architecture that focuses on the essence, far removed from trends, capable of interacting with its surroundings without imposing itself, and which, precisely for this reason, captivates with its discretion and rigor.

The photo gallery: light, matter and proportion

The photo gallery that accompanies this text aims to offer a careful look at the Allianz TowerThe images highlight the relationships between solids and voids, the lightness of the glass surfaces, and the unobtrusive monumentality of the entire volume. The construction details, symmetries, and composition of the façade convey a measured, precise architectural language deeply rooted in rational thought.

These shots capture the balance Isozaki sought to achieve between structure and space, between verticality and horizon. A balance that makes the Allianz Tower a silent yet powerful presence in the contemporary urban landscape.

The photographs were taken in June 2025