Access to Il Mercato del Duomo by Autogrill

The architectural project of Il Mercato del Duomo [The Market of the Duomo] is distinguished by its profoundly conservative character and is developed respecting the original style of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, built between 1865 and 1878 from a project by Giuseppe Mengoni. This approach already emerges from the entrance cavedium, reconstructed taking up the original framework of solids and voids that have been heavily modified over time. The atmosphere of the courtyard, originally open, has been recreated by removing the closure of the skylight in the roof, now replaced by a new transparent velarium that allows natural light to penetrate into the environment.
Conservation and optimisation, but also verticality. Autogrill’s dining offer is developed over four levels that have made a new vertical distribution system necessary in order to give visitors an immediate point of orientation that is translated into a greater appreciation of the space.
To connect up the various levels, a covered escalator has been positioned on the back wall of the cavedium giving access to the premises, a solution that frees up the space to the maximum, creating a central void that enables its verticality to be admired. The use of mirrors in the door and window frames also contributes to the perception of an increased size of the environment. All these solutions create a spectacular vertical telescope around which access to the different floors of the premises is organised.
The restructuring and restoration intervention has also guided the choice of the materials, colours and finishes. For example, Botticino marble, already present in the original floor of the Galleria, and spatulata plaster have been used to upgrade the interior spaces. All the internal environments, starting with the interventions on the entrance cavedium, reflect the philosophy of the architectural project, returning to the western façade of the Galleria, occupied by the new Autogrill activities, a register that is decidedly more faithful to Mengoni’s designs.
A bronze olive tree suspended in the entrance corridor of the premises welcomes visitors. A symbol filled with positive universal meanings, the olive tree represents above all the Mediterranean culture of food and wine, particularly Italian, but it is primarily the symbol of contact with the earth, underlined by the imposing roots, which welcome visitors and invite them to gaze upwards. The sculpture has been realised by the artist Adam Lowe, who availed himself of the collaboration of a team of artists, engineers and sculptors, all coming from the interdisciplinary studio Factum Arte. In addition to its important semantic contribution to the identity of the Market, the sculpture also performs a key function in accompanying visitors on the vertical experiential route inside the location: thanks to its dimensions, the work goes through all levels.