Overlooking the sprawling expanse of Milan’s northern suburbs stands Cascina Comasina. Its history is a testament to ambitious urban planning. Cascina Comasina isn’t just a farm. It’s a symbol of a significant postwar project. It represents one of Italy’s most remarkable examples of a self-sufficient neighborhood.
The Cascina Comasina project began in the 1950s. The Istituto Autonomo Case Popolari (IACP) spearheaded this massive undertaking. The goal was to create a self-contained community. Eighty-four buildings were constructed. Eleven thousand housing units were created providing homes for thousands.
The initial design by architect-engineer Irenio Diotallevi envisioned four residential areas. These areas centered around a communal space. This included services and recreational facilities. High-rise buildings provided housing. The design emphasized order and efficiency.
After Diotallevi’s death later designs changed. Four separate residential clusters formed. They were divided by roads. The largest cluster included a central church. It also had a courtyard for shops and recreation. Schools were also part of this central space. Smaller clusters existed on Salemi and Litta Modignani streets. Pedestrian and vehicle traffic were carefully separated. This design reflected principles from the Congrès Internationaux d’Architecture Moderne (CIAM).
Cascina Comasina wasn’t just about housing. It incorporated services such as childcare facilities. Shops and leisure areas were built-in as well. The separation of services ensured efficiency and convenience for residents. Despite the original unified plan financial limitations and numerous architects caused differences in housing quality.
One noteworthy building was an experimental structure. It was built by the Centro per la Ricerca Applicata sui Problemi dell’Edilizia Residenziale. It featured prefabricated parts. More importantly it had the first centralized system in Italy to produce hot water and electricity. For many years it was also Europe’s largest such system.
Many notable architects were involved in the project. Their names read like a who’s who of mid-century Italian architecture. Arrigo Arrighetti Renzo Beretta and Piero Bottoni were among them. Pietro Lingeri Ezio Cerutti and Franco Girardi contributed as well. Other significant participants included Paolo Costermanelli Giancarlo De Carlo and Luigi Dodi. Angelo Galesi Enzo Fratelli and Enrico Freyrie also worked on this project. Alessandro Lissoni Vittorio Gandolfi and Gustavo Latis left their mark. Ambrogio Managhi Mario Terzaghi and Attilio Mariani contributed. Carlo Perogalli Alberto Morone and Ivo Ceccarino participated too. Max Pedrini Gianluigi Reggio Camillo Rossetti Angelo Sirtori and Mario Tedeschi completed the impressive list.
Cascina Comasina has become well known. Unfortunately this is due in part to its association with the Banda della Comasina. This infamous gang of robbers kidnappers and arms traffickers operated from the 1970s to the 1990s. The gang was led by the notorious Renato Vallanzasca.
Today Cascina Comasina remains a vibrant district. It’s served by the Comasina metro station. This is a terminus for the M3 line. Buses connect it to neighboring areas and towns. The Milan-Limbiate tram once ran through the neighborhood. It was replaced by the metro in 2011.
Cascina Comasina stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of Milan’s ambitious post-war housing projects. It shows a bold attempt to create self-sufficient communities. Its history however is not only about planning success. The legacy of the Banda della Comasina remains part of its identity. However standing here today it demonstrates the enduring strength and complex character of Milan itself.