Bologna City Council has moved to a new headquarters, a 33,000 m2 office building designed by MCA.

The new building is situated behind the central train station in the Bolognina district on the site of the former fruit and vegetable wholesale market. The project seeks to upgrade the area and re-connect it to the city centre.

The design concept is to break a single mass into three distinct blocks destined for different activities. The three blocks of different heights are unified by a folding shading roof, a four storey atrium entrance and a new sloping public space.

The shading roof serves the dual purpose of providing solar protection and lending architectural cohesion to the complex. This large single cover is the defining element of the design. It is folded like a giant 'origami' that rests gently on the various buildings above a panoramic terrace.

The programme includes space for shops, offices, services and sports facilities