Rose-tinted walls bathed in the afternoon sun. That’s the first impression of Quartiere Mangiagalli II. This residential area in Milan’s northwest is more than just pretty buildings. It’s a testament to mid-century modern design. Franco Albini and Ignazio Gardella designed it. They were architectural stars. Their collaboration created a unique residential space.
Construction happened between 1950 and 1952. The IACP commissioned the project. The IACP is the Milan Autonomous Institute for Popular Housing. Albini and Gardella’s vision was to create affordable yet beautiful housing. They achieved this through a clever design. The buildings are composed of three identical units. Each unit has apartments. The buildings are connected by airy walkways. These walkways connect the residential buildings to the stairwells.
The stairwells are a masterpiece of design. They are separate structures. They’re visually distinct from the main building. Yet they’re seamlessly integrated. They’re enclosed by brickwork. This creates filtered light. The brick also acts as a screen. It offers privacy. It also enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal. The original design included a special feature. A third independent apartment was planned. It never materialized. This unbuilt element remains a fascinating detail. It shows the designers’ original vision.
Notice the subtle details. The original plans called for pink stucco for the main buildings. There was also brown stucco for the stairwells. A brick grid adorned the stairwells too. Black painted ironwork was a key feature. The windows were white. The shutters were green. This beautiful palette created a vibrant contrast. Unfortunately many renovations have changed the original appearance. The original design details are now a bit harder to see. Yet you can still sense the initial vision.
Quartiere Mangiagalli II is more than just housing. It’s a glimpse into Italian post-war architecture. It shows innovative design. It demonstrates the enduring power of collaboration. It also reflects the challenges faced in balancing functionality with aesthetics. The unique design elements of Quartiere Mangiagalli II. They stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Albini and Gardella. They created a residential area that is both beautiful and functional. Take your time. Enjoy the architectural excellence. Let the design inspire you.