Our first official tour of Rationalist Architecture in
Como was a memorable one!
To start our tour off with Giuseppi Terragni’s Nova Comum and end with Casa dell Fascio, it would be difficult to beat an architectural tour like this one.
Along the way we were able to get a tour of Giuseppi Terragni’s architecture office, which is only a block away from my apartment.
Terragni passed away many years ago, but his family has continued to carry on his name by restoring some of his older projects as well as acquiring new commissions.
There is very little work for architects in
Italy because there are such strict regulations on restoration and new construction.
Unfortunately there is very little new development outside of the historical cities and according to our professor many parts of
Italy are becoming “theme parks” – the buildings are limited in their size and can no longer accommodate the needs of the people.
The residents have no choice but to move and the city must be restored to accommodate the tourists—it is a self destructive cycle for the community and businesses. I have many thoughts on this subject, but I will spare you the torture of having to read it…
On our tour we also were lucky enough to see Terragni’s last housing project, Sant’Elia’s elementary school, the Sant’Elia monument, a 900 year old Roman church of S. Abbondio, two tombs designed by Terragni, and a recent restoration project that was designed by our Professor which was currently under construction.
Diving board at the Como Yacht Club
Asilo infantile Sant'Elia
Outside the classrooms
Nova Comum
Nova Comum stair detail
Nova Comum stair detail
Terragni's last housing project.
Crazy Mike, giving us a lecture in the street.
Casa Del Fascio
Tomb designed by Terragni
Monument designed by Sant' Elia, and built by Terragni.
1 comment:
You had a tour of Giuseppe Terragni? Great! Asilo d'infanzia Sant'Elia...Casa Del Fascio...I have been there but looooong time ago. The rest...I dont know well. Wow thanks for your photos!!
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