Ingels launches CityWave Milan office complex with gigantic solar roof
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The world-renowned Danish architectural firm BIG is in the final stages of developing the CityWave office complex, which spans 73,000 sqm. This impressive structure will be a significant addition to Milan's modern CityLife district, that features a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces.
Featuring a canopy that spans 140 meters, CityWave will incorporate 11,000 square meters of solar panels, making it one of the largest solar roofs not only in Milan but also globally
CityWave offers 60,000 sqm of office space, including 4,500 sqm of shaded outdoor loggias, a green courtyard, and a panoramic terrace with breathtaking views of the Monte Rosa mountain range.
The CityWave project, designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group, was selected in 2021 as the preferred option among five other international proposals, primarily due to its strong emphasis on sustainability and the use of renewable energy sources.
Sustainable and exciting
"CityWave is located in an urban area of Milan, where the metro station is called Tre Torri after the three very tall office skyscrapers there. We therefore chose to place our 'skyscraper' lengthwise rather than just building a fourth tower," Bjarke Ingels explained.
"Our office building is based on two courtyard buildings of 105 and 53 meters connected by the curved canopy roof surface, which serves both as a symbolic urban gesture and a functional solar roof, making CityWave one of the largest solar panel parks in Italy."
  In addition to the 60,000 sqm of office space, CityWave offers 4,500 m² of shaded outdoor loggias, a green courtyard and a panoramic terrace with an amazing view of the Monte Rosa mountain range. Visuals: Bjarke Ingels Group |
Through thermal groundwater systems and other environmentally conscious solutions, the sustainable CityWave office building is designed to consume 45% less energy than average office space.
"We see CityWave as a new way of thinking urban development - one that prioritises sustainability, coherence and harmony between nature and the built environment. Our design must integrate into Milan's identity, but at the same time bring something fresh and exciting to the city," Bjarke Ingels underlines.
Urban landmark
As the first office building in Italy, CityWave is aiming for all three smart-technology, well-being and environmental certifications: WiredScore Platinum, WELL Platinum and LEED Platinum, even before its inauguration in early 2026.
BIG's office complex is projected to generate approximately 1,200 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy each year, significantly reducing Milan's carbon footprint.
 Bjarke Ingels Group designed CityWave Milan to become a remarkable landmark in sustainable architecture, combining innovative design with advanced environmental performance. |
"As a contemporary interpretation of Milan's and Italy's oldest shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, CityWave is a direct extension of the quest to provide the city with new forms of public space.
We have designed CityWave to emerge as an urban landmark in sustainable architecture, combining innovative design with advanced environmental performance," Bjarke Ingels Group highlights. ●
Read more:
Big.dk: CityWave Milan. Italy 2026
Designboom.com: BIG marking milestone for Milan’s largest solar roof
Dezeen.com: Photos reveal BIG's CityWave under construction in Milan
Domusweb.it: Manifesto for the new Milan - Ingels discusses BIG's CityWave
