Stefano Boeri Architetti proposes the Ambrosian Monastery as an innovative civic space in Milan’s MIND Milano Innovation District. Envisioned as a place of spiritual life, interfaith dialogue, and scientific thought, this project seeks to connect Milan’s historical monastic traditions with the modern culture of research and innovation.
Location and architectural vision
The monastery will be situated at the crossing of the district’s Cardo and Decumanus axes, occupying a 2,700-square-meter site with an additional 1,100 square meters of open space. Boeri’s team designed it as a collective environment for the district’s residents, students, researchers, and visitors, aligning with MIND’s future expectation of hosting around 70,000 people by 2030.
Rethinking the monastery as a civic space
The proposal reinterprets the traditional cloister with a focus on care, dialogue, and spiritual research. A triangular cloister invites city movement and is framed by a colonnade. The central trigonal-plan church can host 300–350 worshippers and resembles a large sail inspired by the verticality of Milan Cathedral. Adjacent community spaces and residences will support the monastery’s liturgical and daily activities.
The library and garden of religions
The Library of Religions will serve as a study and discussion platform, integrating theological learning with life sciences. It will feature study rooms, multifunctional areas, and an open-air amphitheater. Complementing the library is the Garden of Religions, featuring plant species linked to Milan’s monotheistic traditions. The garden aims to boost civic engagement by involving citizens and faith communities in its care, much like the intersection of art and technology in cultural projects.
Public interaction and historical elements
Cherry trees will encircle selected sculptures from the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, removed from archives to be displayed, fostering interaction between Milan’s historical heritage and contemporary public space. This initiative reintroduces pieces of Milan’s religious and artistic history into urban life.
Spirituality and innovation
The Ambrosian Monastery reflects the Diocese of Milan’s exploration of church roles within modern urban landscapes. It seeks to engage with MIND’s technological and research environment while promoting discussions about care, ethics, and societal progress, akin to the innovative urban solutions in Los Angeles’ housing crisis.
Archbishop Mario Delpini highlighted MIND as a convergence point for knowledge, research, and life, emphasizing the importance of reflective spaces in dynamic cities. Boeri aims for an architecture of openness that integrates the new church, transparent library, and cloister, embodying an embrace of spirituality and progress.
Project information
- Name: Ambrosian Monastery
- Architect: Stefano Boeri Architetti
- Client: Archdiocesan Milan Curia
- Location: MIND Milano Innovation District
- Site area: 2,700 sqm
- Open space area: 1,100 sqm
- Founding partner: Stefano Boeri
- Partner in charge: Marco Giorgio
- Director: Hana Narvaez
- Design team: Giacomo Calistri, Daniele Barillari, Agostino Bucci, Mohamed Hassan Elgendy
