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Residential Building
Via Andrea Massena 18, Milano
1959 - 1963
This
ten-storey building is overlooking the Pallavinci park. The design by
Luigi Caccia Dominioni is based on a rectangular plan.
Each floor is occupied by two generous flals, which are accessed by a rounded staircase. The large living and dining area of the
apartments is arranged on the short side of the building, and gets natural ligth from three sides. The corners of the eastern side of the building
are bevelled. The whole eastern facade is clad in dark brown hexagonal ceramic tiles. This elevation is divided in two parts by a vertical slit,
indicating the positon of the elevator. The access galleries are closed by a grid like ceramic construction of an ornamental appearance.
This façade design gives the impression of a protective shell, which is directed towards the neighbouring edification. In contrast,
the western elevation on the opposite side of the building has an extremely open character towards the park. This elevation has a
festive appearance, where doors and windows result in a direct relationship with the verdant environment. The lines of the concrete
ceilings and the metal balustrades are running continously along this façade and are repeated identically on every residential floor.
This continuity emphasizes the tension of the irregularity of the free-style fenestration. The open western façade and
the closed eastern façade are both folded around the corner and are brought together on the short sides of the building.
The entrance to the building is slightly below the street level. The acces is made by a gently descending path,
originating in a gate, which marks the transition from the street to the private parcel.
Each floor is occupied by two generous flals, which are accessed by a rounded staircase. The large living and dining area of the
apartments is arranged on the short side of the building, and gets natural ligth from three sides. The corners of the eastern side of the building
are bevelled. The whole eastern facade is clad in dark brown hexagonal ceramic tiles. This elevation is divided in two parts by a vertical slit,
indicating the positon of the elevator. The access galleries are closed by a grid like ceramic construction of an ornamental appearance.
This façade design gives the impression of a protective shell, which is directed towards the neighbouring edification. In contrast,
the western elevation on the opposite side of the building has an extremely open character towards the park. This elevation has a
festive appearance, where doors and windows result in a direct relationship with the verdant environment. The lines of the concrete
ceilings and the metal balustrades are running continously along this façade and are repeated identically on every residential floor.
This continuity emphasizes the tension of the irregularity of the free-style fenestration. The open western façade and
the closed eastern façade are both folded around the corner and are brought together on the short sides of the building.
The entrance to the building is slightly below the street level. The acces is made by a gently descending path,
originating in a gate, which marks the transition from the street to the private parcel.