Everyone has heard of the Bellinzona Officine, both because their history is intimately linked to the history of the city and its residents, and because recent events have brought this place and the people who live there daily into the spotlight. However, few are those who have entered the Officine, a kind of forbidden city destined to open up and change in its essence.
A symbol of the historical transformation of the Canton, this place, rich in material and immaterial heritage created over more than a century of history, is certainly unique in our region, both in terms of size and the innovative character it has always carried in its production processes.
We entered the Officine for the first time with cautious steps, with curious eyes and a desire to understand this place. We were fascinated by the immense strength of the open spaces, the vertical and horizontal dimensions, the urban clarity, and the rigorous management of space, quite different from other industrial places in the Canton. We naturally oriented ourselves towards a solution of continuity, capable of transforming this place in the groove of history, in respect of its heritage, with a desire to maintain its innovative character for the benefit of all Bellinzona residents, and not just them, but also for the current and future generations.
Opening up this “social biotope” means proceeding with a thoughtful process, capable of progressively transforming this neighborhood that has defined the city’s history and must continue to do so as a vital, innovative engine, rather than as a resource concentrator or a short-term project accelerator.
The Officine have been a series of successful bets, thanks to the determination and courage of visionary people. What we need to do is move forward with the same strength towards innovative and qualitative growth models, capable of providing emotions and opportunities for future generations as well.

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