Imagine a factory so stunning it could rival the beauty of its Italian mountain valley setting. That's exactly what architecture powerhouse BIG is bringing to life with the San Pellegrino Flagship Factory, a project nearly a decade in the making. But here's where it gets controversial: can a bottling plant truly become a destination in itself? BIG seems to think so, and the recently released construction photos are turning heads.
Scheduled to finally open its doors in 2027, this concrete masterpiece will house both the headquarters and bottling operations of the iconic Italian soft drink company, nestled on the banks of a river in Bergamo. The design, unveiled back in 2017 after BIG won an international competition, is a bold reinterpretation of traditional Italian architecture. Think grand concrete arches that evoke the spirit of arcades, piazzas, and porticos, all spread across a sprawling 17,000 square meters.
And this is the part most people miss: BIG's design wasn't just chosen for its aesthetics. It beat out proposals from heavyweights like MVRDV, Snøhetta, and Architetto Michele De Lucchi, proving its innovative approach to blending production and experience. Originally slated for a 2022 completion (even making Dezeen's list of most anticipated buildings that year), the project has faced delays, but the wait seems worth it.
BIG founder Bjarke Ingels describes the factory as “the aquatic equivalent of a wine cellar,” a phrase that perfectly captures the essence of this unique structure. In a recent Instagram post, Ingels shared his own photos of the ongoing construction, emphasizing the building’s seamless integration with its natural surroundings. He also highlighted the project’s ambitious goal: to blur the lines between production and consumption, creating a space where visitors can witness the magic behind their favorite beverage.
One particularly striking feature visible in the photos is a bridge, engraved with the text 'S Pellegrino,' providing access to the site. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the attention to detail and brand identity woven into every aspect of the design.
Founded by Ingels in Copenhagen in 2005, BIG has since expanded to New York, Barcelona, and London, leaving its mark on the global architectural landscape. Beyond the San Pellegrino project, the studio is busy with other high-profile ventures, including the pixelated King Toronto Residences in Canada (set to welcome residents next year), the Hamburg State Opera, and an interfaith complex near Tirana, Albania.
But here’s the question we can’t stop thinking about: Is this factory a brilliant fusion of form and function, or is it an over-designed industrial space? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. The photography by SchirraGiraldi and renders courtesy of BIG certainly make a compelling case for the former, but we’d love to hear your take.
Photography: SchirraGiraldi (https://schirragiraldi.it/)
Renders: Courtesy of BIG (https://big.dk/)
