Haven’t you always wondered about the story behind these walls? The Quartiere ALER Molise stands before us. It is more than just buildings. It represents a slice of Milanese history.
The Quartiere ALER Molise began as the Quartiere Maurilio Bossi. It was named for a young war hero. Maurilio Bossi earned a gold medal for his bravery. The neighborhood’s construction spanned from 1933 to 1938. Architects Cesare and Maurizio Mazzocchi designed it. They envisioned a community for workers and middle-class families.
Imagine this area back then. It was designed to house 2250 residents. The complex included 700 apartments. These ranged from 27 to 45 square meters. The design focused on functionality. Smaller units used a corridor system. Larger apartments had staircases serving two units per floor. The layout ensured good sunlight exposure. Living rooms faced east and bedrooms faced west.
The architectural design offered some unique features. The main entrance on Piazzale Cuoco is quite striking. Two building heads rise above the semicircular entrance. These buildings were made of masonry. This contrasted with the reinforced concrete used elsewhere. A red brick base protected the buildings. It was intended to prevent vandalism. The Quartiere ALER Molise incorporated design elements. They were inspired by European housing projects. These included Siemensstadt in Berlin and Karl Marx Hofe in Vienna.
The 1930s saw growing interest in public housing. Milan sought modern solutions. A design competition was held for the Quartiere ALER Molise area. Cesare Mazzocchi and his son Maurizio won first prize. The final design improved the distribution of buildings. Courtyards were made larger than required. The updated plan emphasized the building’s facades.
The initial phase of construction completed in 1934. It included 304 units near Piazzale Cuoco. By 1938 the entire Quartiere ALER Molise was finished. The original plan included very small apartments of just 25 square meters. There were also larger units of 30 to 50 square meters. Eventually, the smallest units were enlarged. Every apartment had indoor plumbing. Common bathrooms and showers were in the courtyard. Community facilities included a nursery, library and meeting rooms.
Let’s fast forward to today. The Quartiere ALER Molise has faced challenges. Some buildings show signs of disrepair. Maintenance work is underway on facades and roofs. Despite its challenges, the Quartiere ALER Molise remains an important part of Milan. In 1993-94 there were some renovations done for a value of 7 billion old Lire.
Looking around, one can see both past and present. It stands as a testament to Milan’s efforts. Efforts to provide affordable housing. It is a place where history and everyday life intersect. The Quartiere ALER Molise provides an insight. An insight into the city’s social and architectural evolution.