Greg Lynn Designs Moto Guzzi Museum Mimicking Mountains

American architect Greg Lynn has completed the design for Moto Guzzi's rebuilt headquarters on the Lecco shore of Lake Como, a project that has spanned nearly five years. The expansive development integrates both a functioning factory and a substantial 3,000-square-meter museum. Lynn's design for the museum is characterized by a series of tapering, cone-like volumes that decrease in height as they approach the piazza. These structures are clad in vertical seams of grey metal, intentionally evoking the appearance of a small mountain range set against the backdrop of the actual mountains. As the building transitions towards the shop area, the cladding shifts to a deep "Guzzi red," a signature color for the brand. Architectural elements such as circular and stadium-shaped oval windows are incorporated, drawing inspiration from Moto Guzzi's iconic headlamps and instrument dials. One notable window is integrated into a curved facade, resembling a porthole. Internally, the museum galleries maintain a predominantly white aesthetic, accented by curved balustrades, oval openings between floors, and a circular rooflight encircled by bulbs. The exhibition space showcases over 160 restored motorcycles, displayed on low plinths. These exhibits range from the G.P. prototype that marked the company's inception to the racing bikes responsible for its 14 world titles. A timber hull is suspended overhead within the museum. The reception area features a deep green arc counter, complemented by black leather ring seating. The Moto Guzzi Caffè utilizes pale terrazzo flooring, paired with a mint-green coffered ceiling grid. The space is further enhanced by opal glass globes suspended from brass rings and a curated display of archive posters and racing photographs. Outdoor seating includes aluminium tube benches designed by Urbantime. The industrial component of the project involves 5,500 square meters of new construction, expanding the factory's total area to 38,000 square meters. This expansion is designed to support a production capacity exceeding 30,000 motorcycles annually. The facility is equipped with 1,300 square meters of photovoltaic panels for energy generation and a robotized conveyor system connecting engine and final assembly lines. Visitors to the factory can observe the production lines through dedicated windows and access a raised terrace overlooking a piazza adorned with a mosaic eagle. The entire site is scheduled to open to the public for Moto Guzzi World Days, which will take place from September 3 to 6.