Floating above Piazzale Valdo Fusi, Palazzo degli Affari challenges architectural norms. This isn’t just another building. It’s a statement. Completed in 1972, Palazzo degli Affari embodies Turin’s spirit of innovation.
Let’s delve into the story of this intriguing building. The Camera di Commercio sought a modern space. A competition was held in 1964. Carlo Mollino, Carlo Graffi, Alberto Galardi, and Antonio Migliasso won. Their design was chosen to replace the Palazzo Morozzo della Rocca. Sadly, the palazzo was destroyed during a 1943 bombing.
However, construction faced delays. It wasn’t until 1972 that Palazzo degli Affari finally opened its doors. Its design immediately sparked conversation. The building dramatically contrasted the surrounding historical buildings.
Consider its unique structure. A massive central pillar supports a large glass body. Vertical connections transit through this pillar to the building’s base. The facade features glass and aluminium. Its convex sides give it a distinctive appearance. It seems to float above its base. Originally meant as a parking area, the base now supports a pedestrian square.
Carlo Mollino didn’t just design the building. He also planned the interior spaces and furnishings. During construction, some alterations were made. The central pylon’s height was reduced. The detachment between the upper body and the base was lessened. These changes made the building’s structural peculiarities less obvious.
Since 1992, the Camera di Commercio transformed the building’s basement. It became a conference center named Torino Incontra. One of its halls even bears Mollino’s name.
Palazzo degli Affari stands as a testament to architectural vision. It shows Turin’s embrace of the future. Take a moment to appreciate this bold structure. It represents Turin’s blend of history and modernity.