History of Architecture: Milan
Tommy DoddWyatt PearsonSydney PellegrinXavier SeymourAhad Subzwari
A Bit of History
Pre- Middle Ages (400’s BC – 400’s AD)
(400BC) Celtic Insubres (222 BC) Romans conquered this settlement
(293 AD)Milan declared capital of the Western Roman Empire(In red below) by Emperor Diocletian
(313AD)Conversion of empire to Christianity(452AD) Huns Overran the city (476AD) Roman Empire
falls(476-1450) Middle Ages
So what do we have so far?
• The Romans brought a lot of new ideas to architecture– The baked brick – The arch – Structure that spans a space while
supporting weight– The use of cement and concrete (1st/2nd century AD)
Baked brick bath house Arch Cement/Concrete
Architecture of the Middle Ages(476-1450)
Early Middle Ages476-1000- Stagnation
– Depopulation– De-urbanization– Increased barbarian invasion
High Middle Ages:1000-1100’s- Romanesque Architecture implemented
– Establishment of Feudal System– Return of Systematic Agriculture– Sustained Urbanization
1100’s- 1450’s – Gothic Architecture implemented – Advancement in Architectural methods.
Romanesque ArchitectureCharacteristics: Semi-Circular Arches• Often of symmetrical plan• Made from stone (often limestone)• Often had wooden roofs• Thick walls• Very heavy • Very dark
Gothic ArchitectureCharacteristics: Pointed Arches• Light appears to triumph over substance• Flying buttresses • Long, narrow windows• May have Pinnacles
The Renaissance
Renaissance Architecture
• Renaissance began in Milan mid 14th century• Architecture was inspired by new classicism
in architecture and urbanism• There was great Roman influence with the use
of Roman arches and domes• There was an emphasis on form, proportion,
and restraint
Castello Sforzesco
Brunelleschian Influence
• There was increasing Brunelleschian influence in architecture
• Filippo Brunelleschi was a renaissance architect inspired by ancient roman style
• In Milan, others followed his harmonious and geometric style
Cappella Portinari
Ospedale Maggiore
Santa Maria delle Grazie
The Counter Reformation
Baroque to Neoclassical
• During this period in Milan, the baroque style architecture became dominant
• Baroque is characterized by dynamic movement and emotion
• Towards the end of the Counter Reformation, style became more neoclassical
Santa Maria Presso San Celso
Palazzo Brera
Teatro alla Scala
19th Century
Napoleon’s Rule and Neoclassicism
•Napoleon takes over in early 19th century
•Brings in Neoclassicism
•Arch of Peace to mirror Parisian arch
•Centrality of Arch
•Palaces considered best example of Neoclassical architecture in Milan
•Easily defined characteristics
•Prestigious
Napoleon’s City Planning•Sforzesco Castle at city
center
•Radiating design
•New City Center: Church & Commerce
•Expanding beyond medieval boundaries
Fall of Napoleon
•Fall of Napoleonic Empire
•Austrian Control
•Lasting Impact
Industrialization
•Recent Independence and unification (1861)
•Milan Central Train Station built in 1864
•Most industrial city of Italy
•Economic & Cultural Capital
Culture
•Arena built in 1807
•Neoclassical
•Home to many sporting events
•Operas, musicals, and plays given room to evolve and grow in new Teatro La Scala
•Religion very important – The Milan Cathedral “The Duomo”
•Napoleon ordered completion of The Duomo
Evolving Urban Form•Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
•Built in 1865
•Connects Piazza del Duomo to the Piazza della Scala
•Glass Covered
•Shops, restaurants, apartments
Evolving Urban Form
•Mixed-use
•Retains Neoclassical design
•High-volume of pedestrian activity
•Part of urban renewal
•Ancestor of modern shopping mall
•Civic center of Milan
Into the 20th Century & Urban Sprawl
1857 1860
Post-WWII
Post-WWII
• Destruction of Milan• Move away from agriculture economy• Emergence as industrial leader• Appearance of many new buildings• Buildings incorporate modernist design
The Economic Miracle
• Late 1950’s• Turning point for Milan economy• Brought about the switch to industrial commerce
• New infrastructure• Major companies enter and want to emit success
Symbol of Success
International Style
Brutalist Modern
Modern Living
Post Modern Architecture
Post modern
• Styles Clash• View familiar spaces and styles in a new way
• Importance of Aesthetics along with functionality
• Fix the “Failures” of Modernism
Styles Collide
Aesthetics in harmony with functionality
Fiera Milano
•Created in 1922 became the Largest trade fair in Italy.•After rebuilding the building destroyed in World War II becomes commercial meeting point of east and west.•During the economic boom Fiera Milano is major promoter for the Italian industrial boom.•Fiera Milano creates a new exhibition space with 200,000 net square meters of indoor space and 60,000 outdoor.•All of the buildings of Fiera Milano are post modern style and is a major reason why people choose to operate in their space.
History of Architecture: Milan
End