Michele De Lucchi transforms Milan convent into Horti complex with Elpis Foundation

Architect Michele De Lucchi has converted a late 19th-century neo-Romanesque convent in Milan, located between Via Orti and Via Lamarmora, into the Horti di Porta Romana residential complex. The project, developed by BNP Paribas with an investment of €100 million, preserves all original façades and creates over 80 apartments. On Via Lamarmora, period-style frontages were reconstructed where warehouses and artisan spaces once stood. A medicinal herb garden with geometric flowerbeds, tall trees like lindens and cedars, designed by DFA Partners of Daniele Fiori, is open to the public from 9 am to afternoon. The former convent laundry, used by nuns for elderly care, is being transformed into the headquarters of Fondazione Elpis, a contemporary art foundation focused on emerging art. The restoration of the laundry was led by studio GioLatis of Giovanna Latis, not De Lucchi, highlighting brickwork, green areas, terraces, wooden trusses, and an underground level. Fondazione Elpis, established by entrepreneur Marina Nissim in 2020 and directed by Bruno Barsanti, previously promoted the project 'Una Boccata d'Arte' across Italian villages, with its next edition starting late June. The foundation will also host artist residencies on the upper floor. The complex is located in a revitalizing Milan neighborhood.