Perhaps you’ve noticed the unique circular shape as you approached the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Nascente. It stands distinct from other buildings. This church serves the QT8 district in Milan. Vico Magistretti designed it with Mario Tedeschi.
The VIII Triennale di Milano in 1947 focused on housing after World War II. This led to the creation of the QT8 district. A competition was held in 1946 to design the church. Magistretti and Tedeschi won. Their design featured a central plan. This plan suited the building’s location.
Construction began in 1953. The project finished in 1955. Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Nascente opened on June 5 1955. Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini consecrated it May 30 1980. The church underwent restoration between 2007 and 2008.
The Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Nascente stands isolated by a garden. Its circular design involves two offset eccentric circles. These circles define the church’s main area and surrounding portico. The complex includes an irregularly shaped sacristy. A circular baptistery stands apart from the church.
Sixteen exposed reinforced concrete pillars support the roof. Radial beams connect them. A continuous window strip creates a light gap between the building and roof. The perimeter walls are made of exposed bricks. Inside curved walnut panels serve as a backdrop. They create a unique space inside the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Nascente.
The presbytery is raised. It is circular and defined by a balustrade. The main altar is in white marble. A wooden crucifix from Val Gardena hangs above it. To the left is an altar for the Holy Sacrament. A statue of the Madonna by Leone Lodi stands above.
The baptistery has a copper roof. It matches the church’s gutters. Its brick walls are visible. Used as a weekday chapel it features a modern bronze altar.
The Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Nascente also houses a pipe organ. Tamburini built it in 1959. It originally belonged to Santa Maria delle Grazie in Monza. Later it was moved here. The organ has electric transmission. It features 23 registers. It is fully expressive. The console has two 61-note keyboards. It also features a 32-note pedalboard.
The design addresses acoustics. Curvilinear perforated bricks line the edge of the church. This membrane covers sound-absorbing plaster. It traps sound and reduces echoes. The circular presbytery is off-center. This directs the seating. It provides clear views of the altar.
The Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Nascente is more than a building. It embodies innovative design. It reflects the spirit of postwar Milan. It combines artistic vision with practical functionality. It offers a unique space for worship and community.