An Innovative Concept That Pioneered Brewpubs in Italy

When the Officina della Birra project took shape in 1999, the concept of a brewpub—a place where craft beer production merges with a gastronomic and social experience—was still relatively unknown in Italy. The challenge was not only technical and functional but also aesthetic: to create a space that highlighted its productive essence without feeling cold, blending the rigor of industrial architecture with design elements that would make the environment welcoming and unique.

The first venue, established in Bresso, successfully enhanced the existing structure, transforming a former mechanical workshop into a visually striking brewpub. The original overhead crane, intentionally left exposed, dominates the expansive space, while suspended metal ductwork structures the environment, reinforcing its industrial identity. Skylights allow natural light to filter in, creating a dynamic atmosphere throughout the day, accentuating the textures and metallic reflections of the surfaces.

The use of metal beams is not only structural but also an integral part of the design: linear lighting is embedded within them, guiding the visual flow and creating a rhythmic, theatrical illumination. The bar counter, crafted from steel and wood, features a smooth and enveloping shape that softens the industrial rigidity, while large copper brewing tanks are prominently displayed, celebrating the venue’s core function. Tables and seating continue the industrial language with perforated metal structures—an element inspired by aerospace structural lightening—while the wooden parquet flooring provides warmth and contrast to the steel’s raw materiality.

The Evolution in San Polo d’Enza: A Brewpub with a Warmer Soul
In 2005, the project was revisited to bring a new venue to life in San Polo d’Enza, maintaining the philosophy of the original location but adapting it to a different architectural setting. Here, the industrial structure gives way to a more intimate atmosphere, with exposed wooden beams replacing the overhead crane, creating a warmer and cozier environment.

Instead of utilizing natural light from skylights, the lighting is managed through a combination of directional spotlights and suspended fixtures, enhancing spatial perception and highlighting the materials. The flooring itself becomes a key design element, featuring a checkerboard effect created by large wooden panels that add rhythm and dynamism to the space.

The layout is more intricate compared to Bresso, offering different areas for various experiences—from the tasting section to the restaurant area—while maintaining the stylistic coherence of the original project.

A Project That Anticipated a New Way of Experiencing Craft Beer
Officina della Birra was more than just a venue—it became a landmark that marked a turning point in Italy’s craft beer landscape. The fusion of design and production, the repurposing of industrial architecture, and the ability to create an immersive experience made this project a trailblazer in the industry.

In both locations, the High-Dech style emerges as a perfect synthesis of technology and decoration, industrial materials and warm details, crafting spaces that not only tell a story but make it an integral part of the visitor’s experience.

From its inception in Bresso in 1999 to its evolution in San Polo d’Enza in 2005, Officina della Birra demonstrates how design can transform the perception of a place, enhancing its history while projecting it into the future. An icon in the Italian brewpub scene, it has left a lasting mark on the way these spaces are conceived and experienced.