Autogrill SpA is an international group operating in more than 30 countries around the world and in all kinds of mobility infrastructures: highways, airports and railway stations. After the previous positive experience of the service area of Mensa di Ravenna on E45 (Design for All Italia Start Quality Label 2010), Autogrill decided that the new Villoresi East service area should have all the characteristics of an exemplary structure: eco-friendly, energy saving and as an example for design interventions with high physical, perceptive and cultural accessibility. It must be DfA!

Autogrill’s new mission is to offer services accessible to all people who travel, regardless of their physical, cultural or religious characteristics.

The process to apply the principles of Design for All in the Villoresi East service area near Milan began long ago, with some competitions for professionals and students promoted by Autogrill and by the association “Lo Spirito di Stella,” looking for ideas for improving the accessibility of particular areas of catering facilities. The process continued with the creation of an ad hoc working group to steer the design choices of construction, finishes, furnishings and organisation according to the DfA approach.

This virtuous process culminated in 2013 with the recognition of the DfA Italia Quality Label.

Designed by the architect Giulio Ceppi, the building complies with the principles of environmental sustainability and is intended to bear comparison with the historic “Villoresi West” service area building on the opposite side of the motorway. The quality of the interior is generally very high: the toilet facilities are designed to provide for the needs of everyone, including specific individuals, and a well-arranged market with low shelves encourages the children and people in wheelchairs, yet without obliging anyone to follow a set route. A helpdesk at the entrance welcomes, guides and helps everyone, especially those who have difficulty walking or with perception or language. Thought has also been given to children, pets, adults who want to relax, groups and truckers.