OGR Torino's Courtyards to Become Urban Biosphere by 2027
In Turin, the Officine Grandi Riparazioni (OGR) is set to convert its outdoor courtyards into a shaded urban biosphere, with completion expected in spring 2027. The architecture firm lamatilde will oversee the project, which is scheduled to commence in November 2026, following a 2017 renovation of 35,000 square meters of former railway workshops. The design will feature various heights, lush vegetation, water elements, and seating arrangements to mitigate summer heat and enhance biodiversity. The East Courtyard will include LED lighting and misting systems for cooling, while the West Courtyard will accommodate vegetable gardens, educational workshops, and a recreational space. In collaboration with Fondazione Arte CRT, art installations are planned for spring and autumn 2027. Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and Anna Maria Poggi highlighted the cultural and ecological importance of the initiative.
Key facts
- OGR Torino's courtyards will be transformed into an urban biosphere by spring 2027.
- The project follows the 2017 renovation that returned 35,000 sqm of former railway workshops to the city.
- Construction is scheduled to begin in early November 2026.
- Turin-based architecture studio lamatilde, founded in 2007, developed the design.
- The East Courtyard will feature rest areas, LED lighting, cooling misting, and sound systems for art and music.
- The West Courtyard will include vegetable gardens, agroforestry, educational workshops, and entertainment spaces.
- Fondazione Arte CRT will oversee temporary and permanent art installations, with the first at the spring 2027 inauguration and the second during Turin Art Week 2027.
- Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and Anna Maria Poggi provided statements on the project's cultural and environmental goals.
Entities
Artists
- Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
- Anna Maria Poggi
- Giulia Giaume
Institutions
- Officine Grandi Riparazioni
- OGR Torino
- Fondazione CRT
- Fondazione Arte CRT
- lamatilde
- Artribune
- MAXXI
Locations
- Turin
- Italy
- Rome
- Corso Castelfidardo
- Via Borsellino