Project
Vittorio Grassi Architects
Client
Banca Nazionale del Lavoro
Period
2013 Concept Design
2013 Schematic and Detailed Design
2014 Completion
Gross Floor Area
850 sqm
Construction Cost
1.5 m Euro
Structural and Services Design
Flecchia and Partners srl
Photographer
Enrico Cano
Palazzo Trucchi di Levaldigi, dating back to the 17th century, is now the headquarters of BNL in Turin and stands as one of the city’s most iconic buildings. The restoration and refurbishment of this historic property is framed within the field of architecture focused on art and heritage, with the aim of renewing and enhancing a building of great historical significance while preserving its identity intact.
The “Portone del Diavolo,” located at the corner of the building, represents the palace’s most significant artistic element and remains to this day a legendary source of curiosity for tourists, strengthening the bond between historical memory and urban heritage.
The project renews the historic building and introduces an innovative working environment better suited to contemporary tools, through a carefully designed office architecture and interior design intervention.
In particular, it enhances the internal perception of the display windows, improves the nighttime lighting of the façades, optimizes visitor flow and customer wayfinding, and increases staff comfort, redefining the interiors and design from a functional perspective.
The evolution of technology and the transformation of banking operations have led to a reduction and optimization of spaces, with a substantial redesign of operational, waiting, and meeting areas.
This intervention, developed with the contribution of an interior designer and a qualified interior design studio, integrates contemporary solutions while respecting the historic building.
The flagship branch follows a bespoke concept, designed to celebrate the centenary of the Bank’s founding and to emphasize the relationship between the Bank and the city.
Reception and operational areas are naturally illuminated through large windows, skylights in the internal zones, and light-colored finishes. The connection with Turin’s industrial and automotive tradition is suggested by the use of raw and robust materials, fluid and aerodynamic glass partitions, steel panels, and frames finished with natural mineral oil.
The redesign involved operational, waiting, and meeting areas, optimizing spaces in response to technological evolution and new banking operating models. The bespoke concept celebrates the Bank’s history and its connection with the city, enhancing natural light through large windows and skylights and creating bright, welcoming environments.
Il progetto di interior design riflette il legame con la tradizione industriale e automobilistica di Torino, attraverso materiali grezzi e robusti, pareti vetrate fluide, pannelli in acciaio e telai di finestre rifiniti con olio minerale naturale, unendo estetica e funzionalità tipiche di un intervento di architettura arte e patrimonio.
