Urban connections in Turin

The redevelopment project of the former Manifattura Tabacchi, won by Eutropia Architettura and Pininfarina Architecture, alongside Weber Architects and Paisà Landscape, creates an open and inclusive system aiming to integrate the former industrial area with the rest of the city

Ex Manifattura Tabacchi

Located in the northeast part of the city, the regeneration project outlined in the Agenzia del Demanio tender aims to integrate the area with the urban fabric of Turin and the riverfront, transforming it into a multifunctional center.

A total of 41 architecture firms participated in the competition, focusing their proposals on the key themes of sustainability, inclusion, and heritage enhancement. Among them, the proposal led by Eutropia Architettura from Florence stood out, involving Pininfarina Architecture to ensure a coherent intervention in the Turin area.  

The project draws inspiration from the shapes of the Po River and urban architecture, reinterpreting the industrial buildings of the Manifattura and harmonizing them with the historical and cultural environment. The new spaces develop along the reclaimed railway tracks, connecting squares and gardens for the community. Social and economic resilience is a fundamental value of this urban transformation, as highlighted by Luca Barontini of Eutropia Architettura and Giovanni De Niederhäusern of Pininfarina Architecture.  

It’s interesting to note how the volumes designed by Pininfarina with the project team differ from the tender’s requirements. While the tender called for the development of a single horizontal structure, Pininfarina divided and rotated the buildings. “The goal was to enrich the physical communication pathways, restoring a previously nonexistent connection while ensuring an integrated and coherent solution,” says Marco Becucci, Project Design Manager at Pininfarina Architecture. “We aimed to reconnect this area, transforming it into a symbolic and physical bridge that brings urban areas closer together.” The space between the buildings, conceived as an open urban square, creates an integrated environment that promotes social and cultural cohesion, connecting existing territorial elements.  

The result is a structure suited to diverse functions, maintaining a high standard of efficiency, with the Archivistic and Cultural Hub playing a central role, hosting consultation rooms and a study center, while the old industrial structures will house a University Hub with residences and student services. The project aims to create an open and inclusive system, enriching the area with artistic activities and inspiring a positive socio-economic impact, promoting urban regeneration.  

The design of the new Archive complexes features a lightweight and modular structure, evoking the industrial forms of the area and distinguished by an innovative design that facilitates sustainable construction with off-site assembly. “The technological and innovative approach of Design for Manufacturing and Off-Site Construction allows for managing complexity, optimizing design and construction processes,” Becucci continues. Widely used by Pininfarina, especially in large projects, this method has proven effective in the design and production phase on an industrial scale and is increasingly applied in industrial architecture.  

Even though the project’s completion date is not yet certain, it is clear that there is an urgent need for initiatives like this. These projects catalyze the social and economic life of cities, offering a variety of public services for sports and entertainment, promoting wellbeing, and social cohesion.  

Credits:
Lead Group: Eutropia Architettura
Masterplan and Concept Design: Eutropia Architettura, Pininfarina Architecture, Weber Architects
Design for Sustainability: Weber Architects
Landscape Design: Paisà Landscape
Structural Design: Aei Progetti
MEP Design: MCM ingegneria, LESS Urban, Economic, and Social Analysis: Area Proxima
Geologist: Davide Bolognini
Conservation and Restoration: Arch. Enrico Toniato, Arch. Verdiana Peron, Arch. Giorgio Danesi, Arch. Alberto Zanella
Young Professional: Arch. Vittorio Bonelli, Arch. Gloria Morichi
Communication: Pressentosa HUB
Render: PF Visual Department, Eutropia Architettura, QuattroTerzi