Generali Tower

Generali Tower, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is a 170-meter-high twisted skyscraper and serves as the new Generali headquarters in Milan. The building combines complex geometry with high-performance structural and façade solutions to achieve both architectural distinction and functional efficiency.

The tower is defined by a warping geometry, where both floor dimensions and orientations vary along the vertical axis, creating a dynamic vortex that gradually reduces the twist towards the top. This configuration required precise coordination between structural and façade engineering.

A central core provides horizontal stiffening and primary structural resistance, while inclined perimeter columns follow the twisting geometry to maximize usable office space. This integrated structural approach ensures stability and flexibility without compromising the architectural concept.

The double-skin façade, equipped with internal louvres, regulates solar gain and energy performance. The naturally ventilated cavity between the inner and outer skins was analyzed using CFD simulations to optimize thermal behaviour in both summer and winter. The façade contributes significantly to the tower’s energy efficiency and to achieving LEED Platinum certification, complying with Milan’s stringent energy codes.

At the base, a free-form steel podium accommodates commercial spaces and integrates seamlessly with the urban context, complementing the tower’s vertical expression.

The project demonstrates how advanced structural systems, computational geometry, and high-performance façade solutions can be combined to realize a twisted high-rise tower that excels in sustainability, usability, and architectural impact.