M. and P. House (1948), via De Alessandri 11, Milano
The residential building in via De Alessandri 11 is the first project designed by Gho' after his internship in Gio Ponti’s practice. It is a modern block of flats - originally proposed in three different design options - where the settlement model scheme aims to go beyond the traditional principle of the edification ”in cortina” (continuous street elevation). The planimetric scheme studies and the arrangement of the building - in particular the second option - show how Gho' is engaged with the compositional principles of rationalism, thus being a champion of the leap towards modern architecture typical of the postwar period.
The building is articulated in two sections: a shorter one flush with the street elevation line, and a taller one stepped back to maximise the use of space and the exposition to solar radiation. The position of the two blocks and the fence along the street line allow a front garden to anticipate the larger green area at the back, where the communal garages are located. The ground floor hosts two apartments and the custodian accommodation; a single core with staircase and lift distributes three flats on each level up to the fifth floor, which features a wider terrasse. The three project options, shown in various perspective drawings, feature specific peculiarities. Option B is the boldest from a formal point of view: the way the volumes interlock, and the details of the balcony and entrance fence are defined by a clear rationalistic taste, reminiscent of the “scuola comasca” of Terragni and Cattaneo. Option A, similar to the previous one, is more rigorous in its intention. In option C - the one realised - the balconies disappear from the front facade of the taller block to reappear at the back instead.
The building is articulated in two sections: a shorter one flush with the street elevation line, and a taller one stepped back to maximise the use of space and the exposition to solar radiation. The position of the two blocks and the fence along the street line allow a front garden to anticipate the larger green area at the back, where the communal garages are located. The ground floor hosts two apartments and the custodian accommodation; a single core with staircase and lift distributes three flats on each level up to the fifth floor, which features a wider terrasse. The three project options, shown in various perspective drawings, feature specific peculiarities. Option B is the boldest from a formal point of view: the way the volumes interlock, and the details of the balcony and entrance fence are defined by a clear rationalistic taste, reminiscent of the “scuola comasca” of Terragni and Cattaneo. Option A, similar to the previous one, is more rigorous in its intention. In option C - the one realised - the balconies disappear from the front facade of the taller block to reappear at the back instead.
Bibliography about this work:
Gio Ponti, Casa M. e P. in Milano, in “Domus” n.234, 1949, pp.12-15
Jolanda Ventura (a cura di), Gigi Gho': progetti e architetture 1950-1995, [s.e.], 1997, pp.4-7
Gio Ponti, Casa M. e P. in Milano, in “Domus” n.234, 1949, pp.12-15
Jolanda Ventura (a cura di), Gigi Gho': progetti e architetture 1950-1995, [s.e.], 1997, pp.4-7
| Design drawing |
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