Planium for Polimoda di Firenze

Polimoda in Florence inaugurates the new headquarters in the Clock Building of the Manifattura Tabacchi ("Tobacco Factory"). The new structure was built to faithfully recreate an industrial environment, to preserve the original architecture of the former cigar factory, enhancing every historical aspect and, at the same time, making it contemporary, thanks to a series of latest generation instruments. The choice to coat the floors with Planium Calamine was made in accordance with this idea. Dark steel fits perfectly with the desired scenario and acts as an important background in the large classrooms. Calamine, fickle in its oxidations, will live in space and over time in harmony with the activities of the place.

The industrial complex was totally redeveloped through an urban regeneration project, among the most important ever in Italy: 6,700 m² divided into four levels, together with a basement and a 360° panoramic terrace overlooking the city. This is the rationalist building with clean shapes, by Pier Luigi Nervi, one of the construction gurus of that period, which now houses several laboratories, photographic and computer studios, together with drawing and theory classrooms, and a lecture hall.

This redevelopment is, in fact, the first act of a larger project covering a total area of one hundred thousand square meters, with the aim of creating a new district for the city of Florence, which is configured as a center of contemporary culture.

Marco and Luca Baldini are the founders of q-bic, the studio that took care of the design of the spaces of B9 where you can walk on the Planium Calamine:

“We are in love with Manifattura Tabacchi... its large size, its architecture and the signs of time, that characterize it, give it the typical charm of post-industrial spaces. When they contacted us to offer us to participate in its recovery it was a very pleasant surprise."