Architectural Cases

The Milano Cortina Olympic Village, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), represents a visionary approach to urban development, extending its utility far beyond the brief 2026 Winter Games. This project transforms a former rail yard into a vibrant, sustainable community in Milan's Porta Romana area. Principal designer Colin Koop’s forward-thinking design ensures that the village, while serving its initial purpose for athletes, is meticulously planned for a future as student housing, complete with social spaces and ecological considerations. This development showcases how large-scale event infrastructure can be seamlessly integrated into a city's fabric, offering lasting benefits to its residents.

Transforming Olympic Housing into a Student Community

The Milano Cortina Olympic Village, initially designed to host athletes for the 2026 Winter Games, is envisioned as a versatile and enduring asset for Milan. Situated on a former rail yard, the project by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) focuses on creating a sustainable legacy for the Porta Romana area. Post-Olympics, the village will be thoughtfully adapted into dormitories accommodating approximately 1,700 students. This transformation involves minimal adjustments, highlighting the inherent flexibility and foresight embedded in the architectural plan. The six long buildings, each with seven floors, primarily feature single rooms equipped with private bathrooms, catering to the practical needs of student residents.

Beyond just accommodation, the design places a strong emphasis on fostering a dynamic and interactive student community. The ground level of the buildings will be activated by a variety of stores, restaurants, and bars, creating a lively urban environment. Additionally, two reconditioned train sheds on the site are slated to house public programming and additional amenities, further enriching the communal experience. A distinctive feature of the village is the inclusion of spacious terraces, nearly 13 feet deep, connecting the buildings at both the east and west ends. These aren't merely walkways but designated spaces for studying, dining, and social gatherings, designed to encourage interaction. Regional native plants will line these pathways, offering privacy without completely obstructing views, blending nature with urban living and promoting a sense of well-being among the inhabitants.

Sustainable Design and Community Integration

The construction of the Milano Cortina Olympic Village exemplifies efficiency and environmental consciousness, thanks to SOM's strategic use of prefabrication. This method significantly reduced both construction time and costs for the private developer. The process involved pouring concrete floor slabs, supported by steel columns and precast beams, after which ready-made bathroom units were craned into position. This layered approach allowed for rapid assembly, with successive slabs poured and bathroom units installed in an optimized sequence. The buildings' off-white facades are crafted from factory-made wooden panels, which were then plastered by skilled Italian artisans, blending modern construction techniques with local craftsmanship.

Sustainability is a core tenet of the village's design, evidenced by the extensive installation of photovoltaic panels on the roofs. These solar panels are projected to supply approximately one-third of the electricity required for the buildings, significantly reducing their carbon footprint and promoting energy independence. Beyond its functional role for the Olympic Games and future student housing, the architect, Colin Koop, envisioned the village as a valuable public asset for the broader neighborhood. The integration of ground-floor businesses, revitalized train sheds serving as public destinations, and accessible pathways through a park-like setting are all deliberate elements. Koop's intention was to create a true community hub, where residents and the public alike can interact, access services, and enjoy green spaces, making the Olympic Village a lasting and integral part of Milan's urban landscape.

Chloe Fineman, known for her roles on Saturday Night Live, has carved out a unique space in her West Village residence, drawing parallels with the iconic Carrie Bradshaw through her newly designated "closet room." This innovative transformation of what was once a second living area now serves as a multi-functional hub for Fineman, reflecting both her personal style and her professional demands. Collaborating with California Closets, she has created a highly efficient and aesthetically pleasing environment that seamlessly integrates wardrobe storage, a fitting area for her extensive work-related wardrobe, and a quiet zone for her creative and virtual commitments.

The creation of this specialized space was born out of a practical need to better organize her extensive collection of clothing and accessories, which previously overwhelmed her apartment. Fineman's collaboration with California Closets senior design consultant Kelly Parham resulted in a design that is not only functional but also aligned with the Parisian-inspired aesthetic of her home, featuring luxurious details like leather-wrapped hanger poles and elegant gold fixtures. This strategic redesign has not only streamlined her daily routines but has also provided her with a sense of order and confidence, proving that even in the constrained spaces of New York City, clever design can yield remarkable results, turning a chaotic collection into a well-curated display.

Moreover, Fineman's experience highlights the psychological benefits of an organized living space. By implementing practical tips learned from her design consultant, such as folding sweaters instead of hanging them to prevent stretching and utilizing belt racks to keep accessories tidy, she has found greater pleasure in assembling outfits and maintaining a clutter-free environment. This shift from a haphazard storage system to a meticulously planned closet has not only curbed unnecessary shopping by revealing the extent of her existing wardrobe but has also transformed her apartment into a more efficient and enjoyable sanctuary, reinforcing the idea that an organized home contributes significantly to one's overall well-being and sense of control.

The journey of transforming a living space into one that truly serves personal needs and aspirations can profoundly enhance daily life. By embracing innovative design solutions and prioritizing functionality alongside aesthetics, individuals can create environments that foster productivity, reduce stress, and reflect their unique personalities. Investing in home organization is not merely about tidiness; it is about cultivating a sense of calm, efficiency, and joy within one's sanctuary, ultimately enriching every aspect of life.