Generali Tower – Zaha Hadid
Generali Tower in Milan: Zaha Hadid's Vertical Dynamism
In the heart of the CityLife district in Milan, the Generali Tower represents an icon of contemporary architecture. The project bears the signature of Zaha Hadid, an architect known for her fluid and futuristic vision of space. This tower, nicknamed "The Crooked”, changes the look of the Milanese skyline with its dynamic and unmistakable shape.
High 170 meters, the structure hosts 44 plans above ground and a total surface area of approximately 67.000 square metersToday it is the headquarters of the Generali insurance group. Together with Arata Isozaki's Allianz Tower and Daniel Libeskind's PwC Tower, it completes the architectural triptych that defines the city's new face.
A project that combines form and function
The rotation of the floors isn't just an aesthetic logic. Zaha Hadid wanted to interpret movement and torsion as tools to convey lightness and visual momentum. Each floor rotates with respect to the one below it, generating a sense of constant movement.
The tower extends along a curved axis, creating a sculptural effect. From every angle, the building offers a different perspective. This characteristic has made the Generali Tower one of Milan's most photographed architectural landmarks.
A constructive challenge of international level
Engineers faced considerable challenges in building a tower with this complex geometry. The structure is based on a reinforced concrete core combined with a steel perimeter cage. This system helps absorb the stresses generated by the torsion of the floors.
The project used advanced BIM tools and cutting-edge technologies. The goal was to build an iconic yet sustainable building. LEED Gold certification confirms the success of this strategy. The design reduces energy consumption and promotes indoor comfort.
A symbol of the new face of Milan
Completed in 2017The Generali Tower is more than just an office building. It represents a new way of conceiving the office, the city, and the relationship between public spaces and architecture.
His presence within CityLife, one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe, connects it to a broader context. The entire area combines signature architecture, green spaces, pedestrian areas, and environmental sustainability.
The photo gallery: curves, glass and urban reflections
This photo gallery explores the distinctive features of the Generali Tower. The images showcase the fluid curves of the façade, the double glass skin, and the reflections that change with the light. Each shot seeks to capture the expressive power of Zaha Hadid's work and the ongoing dialogue with the urban environment.
Observing the tower through these details means discovering not just a building, but an ever-evolving architectural concept. A vision that combines technical innovation, formal research, and a sensitivity to the future of cities.
The photographs were taken in June 2025