Between the 1950s and 1960s, Italy underwent a period of profound social and economic change, marked by an economic boom and the development of infrastructure. Motorways, symbols of modernity and progress, multiplied, revolutionising the way people travelled and lived. Along with these highways came the autogrills, which quickly became essential landmarks for motorists throughout the country.

At the centre of this story are Mario Pavesi, a visionary entrepreneur from Novara, and Angelo Bianchetti, known as “the architect of the autogrill”. Together they designed about 70 autogrills. Among these, the Villoresi Ovest Autogrill, built along the Autostrada dei Laghi, the A8 motorway that links Varese to Milan, stands out as a symbol of modernism and innovation. Designed in 1958, it was partially demolished in 2020 to be rebuilt with more efficient systems to meet today's needs. The project by Andrea Langhi Design Studio has preserved the iconic identity of the building, including its three self-supporting arches.

In this context, GEZE, a leader in the design of automatic door solutions, has played a decisive role by integrating the most innovative automation systems.

Among the systems used, the GEZE ECdrive T2 stands out for its technological excellence, combining aesthetics, functionality and safety. Its slim design, with a cover height of only 100 mm, offers greater architectural freedom, allowing it to be integrated discreetly yet effectively into the renovated spaces. Its load-bearing capacity, supported by the double sliding carriage allows doors weighing up to 120 kg, also in Break-Out function (mechanical breakthrough of sashes along escape routes) ensuring reliability and durability even under intensive use.

The ECdrive T2 system also stands out for its installation efficiency, thanks to the reduction in construction size, making both installation and maintenance of the entire system easier.

Beyond aesthetics and functionality, the ECdrive T2 integrates seamlessly with building automation systems via the open BACnet standard, offering advanced connectivity and maximum flexibility. This feature makes the system ideal for buildings that aim to be sustainable and technologically advanced, such as the new Autogrill 1958.

The choice of the new GE50NR aluminium profile, with its ground-breaking system of sliding and fixed panels, has further enhanced the safety of the building, ensuring escape routes in compliance with EN 16005 standards and providing users with a smooth and safe experience.

Thanks to these solutions, Villoresi Ovest is an example of how innovation can enhance a historic icon and project it into the future, continuing to serve as a landmark for travellers throughout Italy.