Lucien Lagrange Architects Expands Portfolio Across Europe
October 23, 2008
CHICAGO – October 23, 2008 – With the groundbreaking of Sigma Tower I in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Lucien Lagrange Architects takes another step in expanding its international footprint.
The Chicago-based firm has gained recognition for architecture of understated elegance that responds to the surrounding environment and culture. For a hillside location in Cluj-Napoca, LLA has designed the first of two towers as a new gateway for this richly historic, rapidly growing city of about 350,000. At 26 stories, Sigma Tower I will mark the tallest structure in Romania’s third-largest city. The 83,763-square-meter (901,617-square-foot) tower will house a five-star hotel, luxury condominiums and office space.
“The strong architectural expressions of this design reflect the city’s dynamic spirit,” said My-Nga Lam, a senior associate with LLA. “In creating the first modern tower for Cluj-Napoca, we honor the city’s past as we help to shape its future.”
Meanwhile in Milan, LLA has completed designs for Isola Lagrange, a pivotal component of a 290,000-square-meter (3.2-million-square-foot), mixed-use development. On behalf of Hines Italy, LLA has designed 27 residences, including townhomes, luxury condominiums, duplex penthouses and affordable apartments, as well as retail.
The property’s sustainable features exceed Milan’s stringent new green-design code by 30 percent. High-efficiency mechanical systems incorporate storm-water reuse, heat recovery, solar panels for hot water production and automated lighting controls. These systems work in tandem with a passive solar strategy that reduces the amount of mechanical heating and cooling required. More traditional approaches complement these systems: Terraces and brises-soleils optimize sun shading, while the home layouts take advantages of natural cross-ventilation. A green roof caps the indoor parking structure, which is itself a new convenience in the Milan market.
“The connection with the natural world is important in Milan,” said Heather Weed of LLA. “And because people here love to entertain, indoors and out, we arranged the homes around public and private spaces. The result is similar to our stateside work yet distinctly different. Each culture, every market, requires its own approach, and we adapt accordingly.”
On New York’s Upper West Side, LLA recently created its first luxury condominiums for the Manhattan market. The 24 graciously proportioned half and full-floor residences of 535 West End Avenue feature the finest finishes and details and a superb portfolio of residential amenities within a distinguished exterior reminiscent of pre-war architecture. Completion is scheduled for fall 2009.
“Our firm is known for our luxury residences,” said Lucien Lagrange. “Whether they are in Chicago or New York, Milan or Romania, we make sure we give the buyers what they want most — the comforts of home.”
About Lucien Lagrange Architects
Chicago-based Lucien Lagrange Architects, founded in 1985, balances innovative design with the classic aesthetic of Lagrange’s native France. In a celebrated collection of luxury hotels and condominium residences, the firm embraces the vitality of modern living while capturing the grace and sophistication of eras past. Further, the firm has garnered a reputation for creating designs that respond to each specific site, its use and the market. In addition to being recognized by corporate clients, city planning authorities and community groups for its creativity, LLA is routinely lauded for its collaborative approach to design and for the personal attention given to each client. Nationally acclaimed, Lucien Lagrange Architects continues to expand its award-winning portfolio on the international stage, with current projects in Italy and Romania.
