“Wasn’t this supposed to be an apartment complex?” you might ask while gazing at the Quartiere Mac Mahon. Indeed, it is. The Quartiere Mac Mahon stands as a testament to early 20th-century social housing in Milan. This complex embodies a crucial chapter in Milan’s urban development.
Let’s step back in time. It’s the early 1900s. Milan is experiencing rapid population growth. This surge created a severe housing shortage. The local government decided to act. In 1906 and 1907, the Comune di Milano developed a plan for public housing. The goal was to alleviate the housing crisis.
The plan included the construction of 3,800 rooms. These rooms were divided into four districts. Quartiere Mac Mahon was one of them. The other three were Lulli, Spaventa and Tibaldi. However, their limited extension meant they couldn’t significantly impact the overall urban expansion.
The Quartiere Mac Mahon was more than just a housing project. It was an experiment in different building styles. Giannino Ferrini, an engineer from the municipal technical office, designed it. Arnaldo Scotti, also from the same office, assisted him. Construction took place from 1908 to 1909. Later, the complex was transferred to the Istituto Case Popolari ICP.
The area covers 32,000 square meters. It sits within the Pavia-Masera regulatory plan’s grid. Via Mac Mahon borders the district on the northeast side. This major road gives the neighborhood its name. Originally, the Quartiere Mac Mahon consisted of several building types. There were five four-story apartment buildings. There were also fourteen two-story detached villas. Two two-story buildings formed a row of terraced houses with small gardens.
These different styles allowed for easy economic comparison of various housing solutions. The complex housed 477 apartments. These ranged in size from one to four rooms. This variety catered to tenants from different social classes. The buildings featured load-bearing masonry. Reinforced concrete slabs and wooden roofs added to their structure. Larger buildings included communal spaces. These spaces included a nursery, a public library and laundry facilities. Shops were also integrated into the buildings.
To connect the Quartiere Mac Mahon to the city center, an electric tram line was built. It branched off from the line to the Cimitero Maggiore at the Rondò della Cagnola. This new section opened on January 27, 1909.
Today, the Quartiere Mac Mahon remains a residential area. It is a living example of Milan’s commitment to providing affordable housing in the early 20th century. As you wander through its streets, consider the visionaries who sought to create a better living environment for the city’s growing population. The Quartiere Mac Mahon is not just a place to live. It’s a piece of Milan’s history.