Building for apartments, offices and ships (1970-1971), via Vittor Pisani 16, Milano
Collaboration: Arch. Franco Madruzza
Structure: Eng. Giancarlo Locati
Contractor: Edilparco s.a.s.
Client: Topazio s.p.a.
Collaboration: Arch. Franco Madruzza
Structure: Eng. Giancarlo Locati
Contractor: Edilparco s.a.s.
Client: Topazio s.p.a.
The axis of via Vittor Pisani began with the urban redevelopment of the new Central Station in Milan (1912-1931): indeed, the new street has functions as a line of perspective for the impressive work designed by the architect Ulisse Stacchini. In line with the monumental logic of the time, the approach to the design of the front facade along the “Axis” had to follow a series of regulations that imposed specific features such as a continuous portico and uniform heights. The construction of the “cortina edilizia” (continuous street elevation) – with the exception of the existing Locatelli Tower (1936-1939) by the Architect Mario Bacciocchi – was launched by the Grattacielo Milano (1950-1955) by Luigi Mattioni and the Soncini brothers and would endure the 1960s as prescribed by pre-war regulations.
Therefore Gho'’s project integrates in an already defined urban context, where the tertiary-like look typical of a “Centro Direzionale” (business district) is still evident today. Nevertheless, the building presents some peculiarities when compared with the other blocks on the same street. Aiming to maximise the exposition to natural light of the commercial units facing the portico, Gho' splits the facade in two big bays and he introduces a wide structural grid. This acts as a sort of “gigantic order” based on the golden ratio, which aims to widen as much as possible the span of the pillars, designed with mighty trapezoidal sections. The adoption of this solution distinguishes Gho'`s building from the others along the road, presenting instead a more rigid rhythm in the pillars scheme along the portico. The cladding is made with a glass curtain walls system defined by vertical mullions. On the front elevation, the span of the structural grid defines the double height of the vertical curtain-wall at the two upper floors. Above them, the two top floors are slightly overhanging on the street.
The cladding materials are “fulget” plaster of rust-orange colour for the main structure, Valmasino granite slabs for the first level of the portico, and dark bronze anodised aluminium for the window frames; on the later street - via Alfredo Cappellini - black painted balustrades make their appearance. Particular attention is given to the connection to the nearby buildings. This is solved both by lowering the block on the lateral street, and by a series of narrow openings on the main front, towards the pre-existing building designed by the Architect Carlo De Carli (1965-1968).
Therefore Gho'’s project integrates in an already defined urban context, where the tertiary-like look typical of a “Centro Direzionale” (business district) is still evident today. Nevertheless, the building presents some peculiarities when compared with the other blocks on the same street. Aiming to maximise the exposition to natural light of the commercial units facing the portico, Gho' splits the facade in two big bays and he introduces a wide structural grid. This acts as a sort of “gigantic order” based on the golden ratio, which aims to widen as much as possible the span of the pillars, designed with mighty trapezoidal sections. The adoption of this solution distinguishes Gho'`s building from the others along the road, presenting instead a more rigid rhythm in the pillars scheme along the portico. The cladding is made with a glass curtain walls system defined by vertical mullions. On the front elevation, the span of the structural grid defines the double height of the vertical curtain-wall at the two upper floors. Above them, the two top floors are slightly overhanging on the street.
The cladding materials are “fulget” plaster of rust-orange colour for the main structure, Valmasino granite slabs for the first level of the portico, and dark bronze anodised aluminium for the window frames; on the later street - via Alfredo Cappellini - black painted balustrades make their appearance. Particular attention is given to the connection to the nearby buildings. This is solved both by lowering the block on the lateral street, and by a series of narrow openings on the main front, towards the pre-existing building designed by the Architect Carlo De Carli (1965-1968).
Bibliography about this work:
“Industria delle costruzioni”, n.66, aprile 1977, pp.3-10
Jolanda Ventura (a cura di), Gigi Gho': progetti e architetture 1950-1995, [s.e.], 1997, pp.192-201
“Industria delle costruzioni”, n.66, aprile 1977, pp.3-10
Jolanda Ventura (a cura di), Gigi Gho': progetti e architetture 1950-1995, [s.e.], 1997, pp.192-201
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