Mandarin Oriental, Milano

For the Mandarin Oriental Milano, a green design was developed that unites the interior and exterior space of the café, embodying the values of Oriental hospitality with a special focus on customer comfort. From the first step, one is greeted by refined and exotic vegetation, anticipating a journey through distant lands and amplifying the scenic aspect. The outdoor courtyard, surprisingly green for being in the heart of Milanese shopping, offers a lush corner despite the exclusive use of planters and pots. It gives the feeling of being in a lush garden. This space is divided into three main areas, each with its own peculiarity.

A portal with marble columns at the entrance forms a verdant pergola that acts as a threshold to the outdoors. Covered in Rhyncospermum and bordered by bamboo and free-form shrubs, it creates an oasis of relaxation in the city centre. Continuing, one finds an atmospheric living area with more intense vegetation, where parasols and informal seating invite one to relax, comfortably surrounded by greenery. Combining tropical plants and vases with vernacular touches, a unique and cosy atmosphere has been created.

Finally, the dining area offers a dedicated space for outdoor socialising and a more private porch. The vegetation, which includes tree ferns and flowering Cornus, provides shade and privacy. The portico's arches, covered in greenery, recall the pergola's initial aesthetic, creating a visual and thematic continuum that unites the entire space.