Arval HQ

The design of the new Arval headquarters at Scandicci, near Florence, is perhaps the paradigm of the architectural, compositional and - why not? - ethical principles which have always, now more than ever, guided the work of Massimo Pierattelli.

Architectural form, technological innovation, environmental and social sustainability: besides the more "compositional" aspects of energy, movement and nature, these are the axes which define this building's design. In this project Massimo Pierattelli encountered an interlocutor which fully shared his approach, because it was already part of the company's DNA. Arval is a leading company in long-term vehicle leasing, and its new headquarters at Scandicci had to be in line with the sustainable philosophy which distinguishes a firm that is conscious of its social responsibility towards its employees and the environment, both social and natural, surrounding it. And so the "Saetta fotovoltaica" or "Photovoltaic lightning bolt" came into being: a building that gives a very strong message to the local area, not least thanks to the technological qualities and innovation encapsulated in the design. This is architecture where the term "sustainability" is not a mere word to hide behind. The "Saetta", or Lightning bolt, is a building which employs the most efficient and innovative sources of renewable energy, with photovoltaic and geothermal systems making it self-sufficient for energy. Furthermore, the building is Energy Class A and produces zero emissions; the technological and design features used to achieve this are in no way detrimental to the comfort and quality of the workplace - in fact they help to improve it. The large glazed strips which thrust outwards from the facade contribute to the creation of an internal greenhouse effect, which captures as much indirect light as possible. The 7000-plus square metres of offices and public space are arranged around a central axis running north to south, giving the various spaces optimum orientation. The entire structure is covered by large external photovoltaic sections, with a surface area of special flexible and highly efficient photovoltaic panels fixed on a light steel framework and integrated with the panels on the roof of the building. Installations and energy use are managed by an automated system which optimises results. The

"Saetta" was a featured installation at Milan's Fuorisalone in 2011. A dynamic strip of steel and glass, traversed by a continuous illuminated passage, represents a lightning bolt created by an explosion of energy, which comes from the ground and returns to it, in a symbolic closure of the cycle of life. Monitors placed at the sides of the installation followed the progress of the project, from the initial idea to the completion of final details.