HOTSPOT | Urban oasis

Far from the chaos of the Milanese metropolis, a small oasis of peace opens up among the city streets. Known as the Quadrilatero del Silenzio (Quadrilateral of Silence), an intimate corner of serenity situated right in the centre of Milan, framed by wonderful Art Nouveau buildings that tell the stories of the noble families who lived in these streets. This elegant area is located near Porta Venezia, starting from Palazzo Buonarroti-Carpaccio-Giotto in front of the Indro Montanelli Gardens, continuing on Via dei Cappuccini, Via Mozart and ending in Via Gabrio Serbelloni.

Even famous poets and writers such as Alessandro Manzoni, Cesare Beccaria, Giuseppe Parini and Stendhal were particularly fascinated by it.

First and foremost among all the stately homes in the area is Villa Invernizzi, known, rather than for its beauty and majesty, for the splendid garden designed by its owner, transformed into a true exotic oasis inhabited by a colony of pink flamingos. This unusual view becomes an incredible sight in the heart of a metropolis like Milan.

Walking along Via dei Cappuccini, there is Via Serbelloni, which takes its name from the famous palace built by the homonymous family in 1700. The origins of the Serbelloni family are uncertain; the first member to arrive in Milan in the 16th century was Gabriele Serbelloni, known as the "Great Gabrio", general of the papal militia and arms dealer. His descendant Gabrio III, from whom the street takes its name, is responsible for the construction of the palace in 1765.

Gone down in history for having hosted Napoleon Bonaparte, Palazzo Serbelloni represents a meeting point between 18th century Italian art and aesthetics, and the innovation and internationality of our times. Always a meeting place for the international aristocracy, the monumental rooms of the palace and the majesty of its decorations and materials are still an ideal stage for hosting social events, exhibitions and soirées.

Continuing along Via Serbelloni, at the street number 10, it is possible to see the curious work of the artist-sculptor Adolfo Wildt, a bronze ear set into the entrance wall of Casa Sola-Brusca, which has become a perfectly functioning intercom.

The circle of this brief journey comes full circle at 14 Via Serbelloni, where the Giorgetti world lives and breathes within the walls of a flat in the brand's Milanese Atelier. The Giorgetti Atelier in Via Serbelloni in Milan is a new-generation conceptual space that showcases Giorgetti lifestyle, with brand icons and new collections. Since 2011, the Atelier has abandoned its role as a traditional showroom to become an elegant domestic setting.

The 500 square metre exhibition space is revealed behind the door of a flat. Crossing the threshold, visitors are welcomed into a luminous hall framed by elegant Fior di Bosco marble portals that create a pleasant Milanese-international atmosphere. The rooms that follow one after the other tell of Giorgetti's ability to stage complete, functional spaces: the kitchen with dining for the family, the living room, the guest dining room with a second living room, the office and the bedroom area with dressing room, and the outdoor area.

Numerous collaborations with internationally renowned architects and designers, including Carlo Colombo, M2Atelier, Ludovica+Roberto Palomba, Roberto Lazzeroni, Adam D. Tihany, Setsu & Shinobu Ito, Umberto Asnago and Leonardo Dainelli.

New products for 2021 include the Houdini cabinet by Roberto Lazzeroni, the Shirley bench and mirror by Carlo Colombo, the Uyuni mirror and Clamp tables by M2Atelier, and Otto and Summa poufs by Giancarlo Bosio and Centro Ricerche Giorgetti. M2Atelier designed the Ensō table with Tie chairs in the dining room near the kitchen; the living room, on the other hand, is designed by the organic and sinuous forms of the new Vesper sofa by Roberto Lazzeroni.

The outdoor area is dominated by Aldìa, a seating system composed of a modular sofa, armchair and outdoor pouf with a painted metal structure, backrests and armrests in birch plywood, designed by Carlo Colombo for Giorgetti.

Conceived as a place of experience, the Atelier also offers a project space dedicated to architects and interior designers, with access to the brand's archives and material library. In this creative space, customisations can take shape, allowing the company, in collaboration with designers from all over the world, to create true bespoke concepts for both residential and contract applications.

The Atelier Giorgetti in Via Serbelloni is a true urban oasis in the centre of an unusual and mysterious district, marked by incredible historical events, art and culture that still make it a showpiece of the architectural heritage of Milan.