Torre Velasca, one of the most famous skyscrapers in Milan, recently undergone comprehensive restoration and reprogramming. After the structure was built after the Second World War, the tower was designed by the Architectural Group BBPR (Banfi, Belgiojoso, Peressutti, Rogers), and between 1956 and 1958 the tower shows a unique mix of modernist aspirations and medieval influences. Now and serving several purposes is a symbol that harmonizes its bold, raw character with contemporary municipal functions after it fluctuates for many years of fluctuating public perception.
Origins: medieval origins of a modern icon
BBPR moved to a form of existence and continuity and took on the medieval Lombard watchtower of the flying buttresses of the Milan Cathedral and the Filarete Tower by Sforza Castle. This creates the familiar mushroom shape with a high, thin concrete case on the lower third, which extends into a wider upper crown, which is carried by diagonal rays, resemble the brackets and commemorate the medieval construction techniques.
The tower design was a reconciliation between the symbolism of the city and the commercial requirements. Due to the narrow base, the foyer and the shops could have a limited footprint, which may be able to deliver public square on the street. Panorama houses and offices were placed on the higher floors without being limited by the trade. Torre Velasca was one of the first completely sophisticated mixed use storms in Italy, a combination of work, business and residence in a single vertical package.
Controversy and cultural reception
Torre Velasca provoked strong reactions from the start. The nickname “skyscrapers with braces”, he made controversy among the citizens and critics of Milan. While it was honored by the National Institute of Architecture in 1961, it was also heavily criticized. At the same time, it was also seen as an interpretation of Milanian architecture. Torre Velasca has developed from the scandal to cultural acceptance until 2000. Its historical importance was confirmed in 2011 when it was included in the list of inheritance under protection by Italy.
Creating a new facade
The restoration of the facade of Torre Velasca proved to be the most challenging phase of the project. Increased pink had steamed the original pink gray color of the concrete for over 60 years. During an 18-month facade restoration program, BBPR and their nature conservation partners, the monthest Mapei research and CEES, the meticulously fragmented plaster, reconstructed structural components with compound reinforcement and applied velasc binders, became a specially developed polyer-impartation that applied the original surface, color, color, color, color, color, color, color has used.
Public rooms redesigned: Piazza Velasca
The base of the skyscraper was drastically transformed. A large pedestrian piazza called Piazza Velasca has replaced the former omnipresent narrow sidewalks. The plaza developed by Asti Archetti in collaboration with Michele de Lucchis AMDL Circle can be referred to for its restored BBPR-designed lamps, benches, olive trees and newly added paving and lighting to offer a classic public space.
Structural and sustainable improvements
In order to ensure the seismic stability and durability, CEES coordinated structural retrofits coordinated, which included fiber -reinforced polymer and concrete reinforcement. Energy-efficient windows, LED lighting and EV charging under the parking lot are some of the sustainability aspects.
It was intended to combine the art of craftsmanship from the middle of the century with contemporary performance and create a facade life that corresponds to its original over 60 years. Interior architecture elements of BBPR such as wooden cladding, artificial flooring, ceramic surfaces and the now famous door handles, which were created by Olivari in 1956, were maintained with care.
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Why Torre Velasca is still important
It is a timeless experiment in context -related fit, in which modernist functionality is combined with medieval gravity. Its structure is an open story of Italian heritage, engineering and history. The tower is now merging with the city, with trade and culture flourishes at feet. Lounges and Piazzas invite Milan's culture. It shows the precision restoration for future -proof, sustainable standards in craftsmanship, renovated lighting, door handles and judicial additions.
Torre Velasca perfectly embodies optimism after the war in Milan. Since today and tomorrow it is a architectural explanation, a cultural mixing material, acquires new meanings and shows urban resistance. A tower transformed Torre Velasca is more than its roots in the middle of the century. More than a new edition, its return is a storytelling device, every public bank, diagonal carriers and gypsum ties, all of which indicate a complicated past.
The restoration of Torre Velasca is not only the preservation, but a bigger problem in modern architecture: How to adapt the landmarks of the past to meet today's needs and attract the masses without affecting their character.
It is proof of the way history can be respected and reminded, and historical buildings can be reinterpreted in order to promote social integration and urban liveliness.
Torre Velasca project details
Project name: Asaan: Piazza Velasca
Architect: Asti architects
Location: Milan, Italy
Photography / rendering: © Asti Architects © Albo