Palazzo Fendi Milan: Cutting-Edge Audio for a Rationalist Palace
Some spaces simply allow for no compromise. The new Palazzo Fendi in Milan is one such venue: a Rationalist building constructed by Emilio Lancia between 1933 and 1936, meticulously restored to become more than just a boutique. It is a project where architecture, fashion, art, and craftsmanship coexist across four carefully articulated levels.
In a setting of this calibre, the audio system must integrate with the same logic that defines the entire project: discrete presence, precise function. The mandate is to respect the acoustic nuances of each room, adapt to diverse uses, and deliver control that is as effective as it is invisible.
Four Levels, Four Identities
The Palazzo spans four distinct floors: the ground floor featuring travertine and stucco; the first floor showcasing rich walnut woods; the second level dedicated to womenswear and high jewellery, complete with private viewing rooms; and the third floor housing the Atelier and the Pantheon-inspired Appartamento, featuring signature works by Arnaldo Pomodoro and Agostino Bonalumi.
Each environment serves a specific purpose—retail spaces, exhibition areas, private salons, an artisan workshop, and a private apartment. Every function requires differentiated acoustic treatment, precise zone management, and operational flexibility that never compromises the visitor experience.
For this complex project, OPTIMUS collaborated with our exclusive Italian representative, TEA Elettroniche, to develop a system based on the COMPACT modular matrix. This design was specifically tailored to adapt to the building's architectural complexity while maintaining streamlined operation.
Technical Architecture with Purpose
The system is EN54 certified and built around a COMPACT matrix, supported by a COMPACT-E expansion unit. It is configured with UMX-EA3 cards for priority audio inputs and UMX-2SA cards for supervised outputs. This modular architecture allows each zone of the Palazzo to be managed independently: delivering ambient music during commercial hours, providing audio for private events, and ensuring operational communications for staff.
Power is distributed via DA-500D4 and DA-500D2 Class D digital amplifiers, which provide the necessary output without consuming excessive space. The system is controlled from a DC-700ETH desk console via Ethernet, enabling staff to manage messages, select zones, and supervise the system status in real-time.
An MXD-88 matrix with integrated DSP complements the system with advanced processing: specific equalisation for each zone based on its acoustic characteristics, feedback control, and automatic level adjustments. These tools ensure the audio adapts perfectly to diverse spaces, whether it’s an exhibition hall with soaring ceilings or an atelier where textiles alter the acoustics.
The audio distribution solution utilises A-225DEN 6W RMS recessed loudspeakers, certified EN54-24. These were selected for their ability to blend seamlessly into the environment while maintaining uniform sound coverage.
Precise and Discrete Technology
At Palazzo Fendi Milan, the audio system is present without ever being visible. Ambient music accompanies without invading, operational messages reach staff without disturbing visitors, and every space maintains its unique acoustic identity.
The project reflects a vision of luxury as a complete experience, where design and technology coexist seamlessly. To ensure this coexistence works, the technical system must share the same philosophy: precision in function, discretion in form.
At OPTIMUS, we design systems with the space in mind, considering the intended uses and the experience they must facilitate. Palazzo Fendi Milan is a prime example of how well-applied technology can enhance an architectural vision without interference.
Every component was selected to complement the specific environment: EN54 certifications to guarantee reliability, modularity to adapt to future changes, and digital DSP processing to optimise the acoustics of every zone.
The most effective systems allow each space to function exactly as intended. At Palazzo Fendi Milan, this means the sound completes the experience and is ready to manage any emergency situation, all without ever drawing attention to itself during the day-to-day.
Do you have a project of a similar calibre? Contact us, and we will create the bespoke solution you require.
