A regenerative, sustainable and biophilic hospitality project.
A place for the city, open to everyone.
A regenerative, sustainable and biophilic hospitality project.
A place for the city, open to everyone.
Building
Located in the historic centre of Parma, Palazzo Parma – a prime example of rationalist architecture – was originally built as the headquarters of a local agricultural consortium in 1939. Amongst its unique features it has a large rooftop terrace overlooking the city, a double-height glass ceiling internal courtyard, stuccos, wall paintings, original mosaics and handmade wooden details.
More details about the building’s history are available here.
Building
Located in the historic centre of Parma, Palazzo Parma – a prime example of rationalist architecture – was originally built as the headquarters of a local agricultural consortium in 1939. Amongst its unique features it has a large rooftop terrace overlooking the city, a double-height glass ceiling internal courtyard, stuccos, wall paintings, original mosaics and handmade wooden details.
More details about the building’s history are available here.
Name
“PALAZZO DELL’ AGRICOLTORE”
Originally built as an agricultural consortium in 1939, the name ‘Palazzo Dell’Agricoltore’ was a nod to the building’s strong agricultural heritage.
“PALAZZO PARMA”
Whilst respecting the building’s history, our aim now is to look ahead to the future of the building as a destination for both locals & international visitors alike with a sustainable and regenerative approach. ‘Palazzo Parma’ represents the landmark of Parma this project aims to become.
Idea
The future of hospitality
Palazzo Parma envisions a new idea of hospitality, creating a landmark for the city of Parma and the territory through an innovative take on hospitality and design. A hub for holistic well-being, Palazzo Parma will be a driving force for the city and region catalysing people, culture, craftsmanship, positive values, and socialization around a truly new experience. We envision the Palazzo to represent all the charm and energy of classic Italian square, all under one roof.
This is not a hotel!
Palazzo Parma represents more than a hotel, it is a paradigm shift within hospitality. We are creating a space that contributes to the regeneration of people, the city, its territory and the biosphere through a nature-inspired model that drives community and well-being. The project is inspired by the theory of kalokagathìa (moral and physical beauty) driving the guest to ‘eudaimonia’ (personal and social prosperity).
A new era of wellness
At Palazzo Parma, we believe in creating a sustainable pattern of life that enables you to live fully, to be well, move well, feel well, and do well. Our vision sees our guests’ wellness at the core of everything we do. From the food served, to the quality of sleep guaranteed, we embrace science to heighten experience. All of our services are designed to soothe body, mind, and soul for the regeneration of our guest’s well-being.
Idea
The future of hospitality
Palazzo Parma envisions a new idea of hospitality, creating a landmark for the city of Parma and the territory through an innovative take on hospitality and design. A hub for holistic well-being, Palazzo Parma will be a driving force for the city and region catalysing people, culture, craftsmanship, positive values, and socialization around a truly new experience. We envision the Palazzo to represent all the charm and energy of classic Italian square, all under one roof.
This is not a hotel!
Palazzo Parma represents more than a hotel, it is a paradigm shift within hospitality. We are creating a space that contributes to the regeneration of people, the city, its territory and the biosphere through a nature-inspired model that drives community and well-being. The project is inspired by the theory of kalokagathìa (moral and physical beauty) driving the guest to ‘eudaimonia’ (personal and social prosperity).
A new era of wellness
At Palazzo Parma, we believe in creating a sustainable pattern of life that enables you to live fully, to be well, move well, feel well, and do well. Our vision sees our guests’ wellness at the core of everything we do. From the food served, to the quality of sleep guaranteed, we embrace science to heighten experience. All of our services are designed to soothe body, mind, and soul for the regeneration of our guest’s well-being.
Our Philosophy
Regeneration
By restoring this old building in the centre of Parma and transforming it into a space dedicated to a new way of hospitality, conviviality and well-being, we want to create a place of regeneration for guests, the local community and the surrounding city, where everyone can have the opportunity to benefit and discover something new. We hope that this project will become the engine of a neighbourhood regeneration process and that everyone who joins it will come out better for it.
Biophilia
Biophilia is the innate affinity of human beings with the natural world. Palazzo Parma’s biophilic design finds inspiration from nature itself, through architectural choices, spatial design, materials, colours, light and use of greenery.
Agriculture
It’s crucial for us to keep the strong agricultural heritage of the building alive within Palazzo Parma. Through a sustainable, and regenerative approach to nature and the local environment, we ensure a direct experience of agriculture conscious consumption.
Pharmacopeia
Palazzo Parma bases its culture of well-being on the scientific knowledge of the link between pharmaceutical chemistry and nature, which has always characterized the entrepreneurs’ roots. The Pharmacopeia culture runs through all the activities of the Palazzo: from the care of the people within, to the food quality and the scientific approach to Health and Wellness, using science to improve all experiences.
Commitment
Palazzo Parma will be an example of a truly regenerative experience for our guests and for all territory, becoming one of the city’s central squares, a destination for the local and international community. We will be delighted if our guests feel better by staying with us and learning about our holistic approach and how to regenerate.
Sustainability underpins the development of the entire project and we want to measure our commitment to people and the planet becoming a B Corp and following international certifications.
Commitment
Palazzo Parma will be an example of a truly regenerative experience for our guests and for all territory, becoming one of the city’s central squares, a destination for the local and international community. We will be delighted if our guests feel better by staying with us and learning about our holistic approach and how to regenerate.
Sustainability underpins the development of the entire project and we want to measure our commitment to people and the planet becoming a B Corp and following international certifications.
Who We Are
Palazzo Parma is owned and strongly wanted by two entrepreneurial families of Parma – Chiesi and Bollati – both very committed to the rebirth of this incredibly rich city, a symbol of the modern Italian lifestyle.
Team
Simona Melli
Owner’s Representative
Simona Melli is an Architect, Project Director and Owner Representative for companies that develop projects with a positive impact on the economy and the community. In 2001, together with Dario Costi, she founded MC2 Architetti firm, which works on urban regeneration projects, developing public and private spaces, designing private villas and community houses, yacht interiors and museum exhibits, as well as schools and university residences, gyms and theatres. She has been working on the Palazzo Parma project since its conception and one of her goals is to transform the restoration of the Palazzo into an extraordinary opportunity for urban regeneration.
Martin Kuczmarski
Operator strategy
Martin Kuczmarski is an international hotelier, restaurateur and members club operator. Former Chief Operating Officer of Soho House & Co, which specialises in private members’ club venues with restaurants, cinemas, health spas and hotels. With 25 years of global luxury hospitality experience spanning across Soho House globally, The Ritz Paris, Four Seasons Milan, Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo, One Aldwych London, Hyde Park Hotel London and Carlisle Bay Antigua. Now, his focus is on own company DIFFICULT NAME offering investments, concept creation, finance and budgeting, architectural design, operational layouts, interior design, project management, day to day management and branding.
Kengo Kuma
Architectural Design
Kengo Kuma (1954) founded Kengo Kuma & Associates (KKAA) in 1990. A Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo, he studied at Columbia University and in France. KKAA, with offices in Tokyo, Paris, Beijing, Shanghai, and Seoul, is renowned for cultural and urban projects that connect nature, technology, and humans. Major works include the Nezu Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum Dundee, and Tokyo Olympic Stadium. His projects span over 50 countries. In 2021, Time named him one of the world’s most influential people, recognizing him as one of today’s most influential architects.
Quincoces-Drago & Partners
Interior Design
Quincoces-Drago & Partners is an award-winning architecture and design studio founded in 2010 by architects David López Quincoces and Fanny Bauer Grung. Based in Milan, the studio specializes in residential, commercial and hospitality projects with a focus on high-end interiors and furniture design. Quincoces-Drago’s design approach blends clean lines, neutral color palettes, and a harmonious mix of contemporary and vintage elements. With a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, the studio aims to create timeless, livable spaces that reflect the personality and needs of each client.
Starching
General Site Supervision
Starching is an architecture and engineering firm with offices in Milan and Rome, specializing in integrated design and project management. The company develops and implements ideas, turning visions and ambitions into reality.
With over 30 years of experience and a team of more than 150 professionals, Starching provides interdisciplinary solutions with a proven method and innovation in tools. It offers consultancy, coordination, and supervision for complex projects, ensuring results that align with client expectations and deliver high, certified performance.
Starching plays a leading role both nationally and internationally, ensuring the continuous professional growth of its team.
LEV|ARCH
Building Permit Design
LEV|ARCH, founded by Luca Colombo, is an architectural practice with offices in Milan and Catania. With over 30 years of experience in architecture, urban planning, interior design, and landscaping, provide comprehensive services for hotels, resorts, luxury residences, office buildings, and industrial projects.
LEV|ARCH is focused on creating harmonious and exclusive projects driven by original narrative concepts that connect the unique spirit of each location to client briefs and expectations for deliver sustainable and tailored projects, under the holistic and integrated approach.
Parcnouveau
Landscape Design
Parcnouveau is a Milan-based landscape architecture studio known for its innovative design approach. It combines a deep understanding of nature with a precise interest in community experiences. Founded by Margherita Brianza, joined by Luca Manzocchi and Carolina Pelosato, the studio boasts an international portfolio. Each project is handled with great depth and thought. The studio has designed the landscape of Citylife in Milan, the Science Museum in Rome, the headquarters of Moncler and OTB Group in Milan, and Enel in Rome. Attention to detail and functionality emerge in the Hôtellerie projects, including the Bulgari Hotel in Rome, the Mandarin Oriental in Rome, Tel Aviv, and Moscow.
Manens S.p.A.
MEP design and works supervision
Manens S.p.A. is an architecture and engineering firm with over 50 years of experience and a leading role in the integrated design of major projects, in both public and private construction. Based in Italy with offices in Padua, Verona, and Bari, and a strong international presence in Saudi Arabia, Romania, Serbia, and Switzerland, the company operates across multiple sectors. Its expertise spans healthcare and airports, research centers and universities, as well as commercial, cultural, hospitality, and heritage buildings. Innovation and sustainability drive Manens’ commitment to creating efficient and functional spaces, designed for people’s well-being.
Redesco Progetti
Structural Design and Supervision
Redesco Progetti is a structural engineering firm based in Milan, specializing in the design of innovative and sustainable structures. We provide cutting-edge engineering solutions by combining research, creativity, and practical expertise. We collaborate with investors, architects, and construction companies, overseeing projects from concept to completion. Our approach balances aesthetics, functionality, and economic feasibility, ensuring safe and efficient structures. Our expertise spans residential and commercial buildings, as well as complex infrastructures. We believe engineering is the bridge between vision and reality.
Planimetro
Detailed Architectural Design
PLANIMETRO is an architectural design and multidisciplinary coordination company specialised in project development and management; the founding partners have brought to PLANIMETRO their thirty years of experience as designers and architectural project managers. PLANIMETRO has abandoned the classic design tool to adopt, as its only standard, the more evolved modeled and parametric design of Building Information Modeling, through the most advanced digital technologies. PLANIMETRO mainly responds to two types of requests: Architectural design in BIM from concept to construction management and the engineering of complex projects for General Contractor
Gruppo Mingori
Main Contractor
The Mingori Group represents excellence in the construction sector, thanks to a solid family tradition and a constant commitment to innovation. With Mingori Engineering & Building, the Group carries out projects in residential, hotel, commercial, and industrial fields, both in Italy and abroad. In 2023, NEOS was established, a company dedicated to managing Interior Fit Out projects and technological systems. The Group is also distinguished by its strong commitment to sustainability: as a Benefit Corporation, it obtained B-Corp certification in 2024, focusing on responsible practices and the use of low-impact materials. The quality of work is ensured by experienced professionals, while transparent communication with clients and suppliers is fundamental to the company’s philosophy.
CREA
Project and construction management
CREA EPC Solutions is a start-up owned by Starching s.r.l. and Mpartner s.r.l., offering customized EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) services for the construction sector.
With solid experience in Project and Construction Management, the team provides solutions throughout all stages of development, from design to the realization of the project, applying a pragmatic, problem-solving approach.
CREA stands out for the high expertise of its team, composed of professionals with experience in various technical and managerial fields, as well as its know-how in the sector and its ability to manage complex projects.