PRADA'S STRIKING NEW INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

Prada has inaugurated a sprawling, state-of-the-art new industrial complex in Valvigna, Tuscany, a “garden factory” that fuses design and product. Exploring the uncontaminated relation between constructions, rigor of design and freedom of natural elements, the striking ultra-modern glass and steel structure, designed by Guido Canali, is surrounded by luscious gardens and vineyards. Prada Group's chief Patrizio Bertelli acquired the first bit of land in 1998, gradually extending the acres to 1 million square feet. Soaked in natural daylight, the four buildings will employ 785 workers and will house the production division and the development of the Prada and Miu Miu leather goods collections; warehouses for raw materials; the historical archives of the leather goods and footwear collections; offices for general services and industrial administration; an auditorium; systems areas; and the Prada Group data processing centers. In this structural dialogue between the interiors and the exteriors, between man and nature, the industrial materials are offset by a flourishing vegetation, including grape-vines, mulberries, pomegranates, trees and lavender beds.