Four star architects compete for San Pellegrino's new headquarters in Val Brembana

San Pellegrino, the mineral water brand owned by Nestlé, has launched an invited competition for the redesign of its production plant in San Pellegrino Terme, Bergamo, where the company was founded in 1899. Four internationally renowned architecture firms are competing: Michele De Lucchi (Italy), MVRDV (Netherlands), BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group (Denmark), and Snøhetta (Norway). The jury, composed of top Nestlé and San Pellegrino executives along with international architecture critics and professors, will select the winning project by the end of September. The budget for the intervention remains undisclosed. MVRDV's concept features a transparent star-shaped structure floating above the plant, with water cascading through the cavity, offices on upper floors, and a large atrium serving as an agora. BIG proposes an "aquatic equivalent of a wine cellar," with warm interiors dominated by arches, vaults, tunnels, arcades, and green pergolas, including an auditorium, exhibition space, and a public square. Michele De Lucchi envisions a translucent white glass facade integrated with existing buildings, adding a library, auditorium, café, show cooking space, and an open-air theater overlooking a reflecting pool, aiming to boost tourism in the valley. Snøhetta's plan involves a steel mesh wrapping the production line and a new public park where the new spaces appear to float. All projects emphasize transparency, connection with the territory, and community amenities.