Gualino Palace

Palazzo Gualino, located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II in Turin, is a masterpiece of Italian rationalist architecture, designed by architects Gino Levi-Montalcini and Giuseppe Pagano between 1928 and 1930. Commissioned by the financier and patron Riccardo Gualino, the building was intended to become the headquarters of his numerous businesses, including SNIA (Italian-American Navigation Company). This project represented a significant innovation for the time, not only for the use of cutting-edge materials such as reinforced concrete, but also for the organization of spaces, designed to exclusively accommodate offices. At the time of its completion, Palazzo Gualino was acclaimed as a symbol of the emerging Italian Rationalism. The structure was characterized by a symmetrical facade with seven floors on the main street and five on the side street, marked by original shades of light yellow and aqua green. The innovative arrangement of executive offices on the top floors, rather than the usual noble floor, represented an architectural novelty in the Turin context. In 1932, following Gualino’s arrest and the confiscation of his companies, the palace was acquired by FIAT and became the headquarters of the personnel office, initially led by Giovanni Agnelli and later by his nephews Giovanni and Umberto Agnelli. During FIAT’s ownership, the building continued to play a central role in Turin’s industrial life. In the 1990s, the Municipality of Turin purchased Palazzo Gualino, allocating it to public offices. Subsequently, in 2012, the palace was sold and converted into residential use, a change that sparked several controversies. The building, renamed Palazzo Novecento, underwent a renovation that was completed in 2019, including the creation of prestigious residential units and a large underground garage. The palace is a significant example of how rationalist architecture can integrate with modern functionality. The interiors, designed with particular attention to ergonomics and efficiency, reflect the innovative approach of its creators. The large windows and the use of reinforced concrete not only ensure structural solidity but also optimal natural lighting, creating bright and comfortable working spaces. The top floor veranda, with a glass window overlooking Valentino Park, was originally Gualino’s presidential office, a symbolic place of economic power and the avant-garde vision of its owner. This architectural detail represents the perfect fusion of aesthetics and functionality, a central concept of Italian Rationalism. The building’s renovation process sought to respect the original design, maintaining the symmetry and elegance of the facade, while adapting the interiors to contemporary needs. This balance between preservation and innovation is evident in the new residential configuration, which offers residential units of various sizes, accessible from three independent staircases and equipped with all modern comforts. The history of Palazzo Gualino is intrinsically linked to the personal and professional events of Riccardo Gualino, a complex and fascinating figure in the Italian economic and cultural landscape of the 20th century. A patron, entrepreneur, and art collector, Gualino left an indelible mark on the history of Turin through his initiatives and progressive vision.