CoFactory is the synthesis of technological innovation and innovative spaces that represent Designtech’s hub for bringing together under one roof the community of companies, start-ups and professionals who already inhabit the offices, accessing coworking with flexible formulas and as-a-service digital manufacturing machines.
The initiative is located in the heart of the urban transformation of the Milano Certosa District, the subject of a major project promoted by RealStep, the real estate development company specialised in the sustainable urban regeneration of former industrial sites. A pioneer in the adoption of the CoFactory format, it has bet on its ability to welcome and support innovation in its development work. In this context, Designtech also manages C.Space, the design and media lounge from which ‘Designtech, The Podcast’ is recorded, reinforcing the synergy between creativity and real estate development that characterises the district.
CoFactory is at the heart of Designtech’s mission: a hybrid, physical and digital environment where coworking is integrated with digital fabrication to foster the development of innovative technological solutions. From the initial idea to its transformation into concrete prototypes, CoFactory facilitates this process by providing designers, start-ups and scaleups with design and hardware services for rapid prototyping and the production of small series or limited editions.
The structure of CoFactory, built by Garc, highlights the innovative Pininfarina Architecture approach that guided the design of the first urban factory open to the ecosystem. The firm focused on the smooth integration of offices, machine zones, thematic workshops, coworking spaces, meeting rooms and training areas into a single functional and innovative environment. Inspired by the modular nature of shipping containers, the interior design reflects a high degree of adaptability and to maintain the principle of modularity: the offices, located on the first floor and mezzanine level, are built using offsite construction systems (NPS system supplied by Tecnostrutture) and incorporate movable walls that allow for the expansion of spaces when necessary.
CoFactory, has been designed according to a co-design logic, incorporating sustainable furniture and oriented towards the wellbeing of the person and the worker. Numerous partners have contributed to fitting out the space, including: Zumtobel Group, with smart and sustainable LED lighting that adapts to new and continuous configurations of the space; Mangini, whose glass walls ensure a high level of natural lighting and create a synergy between the dedicated offices and the prototyping area, guaranteeing excellent acoustic insulation standards; Stonhard, which laid the resin on the flooring, guaranteeing safety, protection, hygiene and durability. Companies involved by Designtech in the furniture sector include Estel, Interface, Listone Giordano, MDD, Pedrali, Quadrifoglio Group, Tarkett, Fantoni, Kindof, Würth, Luxy and IOC.
For more info: www.designtech.space
