Inclusive collaboration

Founded 65 years ago, Bonfiglioli Riduttori Spa designs, manufactures and distributes equipment for the industrial automation, mobile machinery and renewable energy sectors. Its corporate identity as an innovation-focused company has prompted it to create a renovated site that is « at once an operational space, a headquarters and a product showcase », as well as an NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) designed to combine production spaces and offices.
The Evo Plant project is based on two key principles: care for the environment and a focus on the quality of life of the workforce. As the architects at the Bologna-based practice Open Project who were awarded the contract explain, « The aim of the project was to forge a dialogue between innovation and quality of living, to create a space that on the one hand improves production processes and on the other serves as a workplace where staff can interact in an environment free from barriers between the different functions and roles. » Designed to foster collaboration, integration and sharing, the building consists of rooms designed as a single unit characterised by large spaces, glass walls and versatile, multifunctional furniture. This search for interconnection extends outside with two courtyard gardens, reaffirming the aim of creating « a building in which the functionality of the factory never takes precedence over a pleasant workspace experience ».
The combination of colours and surface coverings played an important part in achieving this goal. « In the offices, the choice of colours was based on the lighting design, » continue the architects. « By suitably positioning the lighting fixtures and creating exposed ceilings with a dark coloured finish, it was possible to shift the view towards the working areas and ensure optimal conditions of both natural and artificial lighting, while at the same time emphasising the paler coloured floors. » Porcelain tiles from Panariagroup were chosen to achieve the high levels of technical and aesthetic quality required for the floor coverings. Cotto d’Este supplied the materials for the raised floor in the offices, specifically the 14 mm thick Cement Project collection, as well as the floor surfaces in other areas including the company restaurant, where the same Kerlite 5Plus collection inspired by hand-trowelled concrete floors blends harmoniously with the blue of the walls and furnishings referencing the corporate colour and slogan. The Limestone collection in a 20 mm thickness, Slate colour and Fiammata surface was used for the portico, while the metal look of Kerlite 5Plus Metal was chosen for the ventilated façade of the entrance foyer in the intense rust colour of Corten and Iron. Lea Ceramiche’s contribution concerned the entrance foyer floor, where 6 mm thick marble-effect slabs from the Slimtech Delight Calacatta Oro collection were used.