House Guazzoni

Casa Guazzoni, located at 12 via Marcello Malpighi in Milan, is a jewel of Italian Liberty architecture, designed by architect Giovanni Battista Bossi between 1904 and 1906 for Cavaliere Giacomo Guazzoni. This building represents one of the most refined examples of Milanese Liberty style, a movement that left an indelible mark on the city at the beginning of the 20th century. The facade of Casa Guazzoni is a true masterpiece of architectural decoration, characterized by an innovative use of concrete and wrought iron. The concrete decorations, created with an original technique of repeating multiple elements, give the facade a chiaroscuro effect that enhances the shapes and details. The balconies, made by the famous wrought iron craftsman Alessandro Mazzucotelli, are a distinctive element of the building, with their sinuous lines and complex decorations that include cherubs and garlands. The use of concrete as both a structural and decorative material is one of the most innovative features of Casa Guazzoni. The concrete decorations are not limited to the facade, but also continue inside the building, where there are frescoes by Paolo Sala in the entrance hall and corridor. These frescoes, uncovered during the 1997 restoration, add an additional level of elegance and sophistication to the environment. The building’s structure consists of load-bearing brick walls and a reinforced concrete slab between the basement and ground floor, an advanced technical solution for the time that allowed for spacious and bright interior spaces. The building’s double “L” plan makes the most of the corner between via Malpighi and via Melzo, giving the building a monumental presence while maintaining a sense of lightness and movement. Casa Guazzoni is not only an example of residential architecture, but also a symbol of Milan’s urban transformation. The building stands on an area previously occupied by the Società Anonima degli Omnibus (S.A.O.), which operated the city’s public transport with horse-drawn carriages. With the arrival of electric trams, the area was renewed and became one of the most modern neighborhoods in the city, reflecting Milan’s rapid economic and social development at the beginning of the 20th century. The beauty of Casa Guazzoni also lies in the less ostentatious but equally significant details, such as the wrought iron gate of the inner courtyard and the hexagonal staircase with cantilevered marble steps. These elements, along with floral decorations and natural motifs, create a visual harmony typical of Liberty, a movement that sought to integrate art into everyday life. An interesting anecdote concerns the 1997 restoration, during which frescoes hidden by years of repainting and modifications were discovered. These frescoes, attributed to Paolo Sala, depict scenes of lake landscapes with aquatic plants, adding a touch of naturalism that is in perfect harmony with the spirit of Liberty. The restoration allowed for the recovery and enhancement of these hidden masterpieces, restoring the building to its original splendor. The historical and artistic importance of Casa Guazzoni was officially recognized in 1965, when the building was placed under monumental protection. This protection has ensured the preservation of its unique characteristics and has allowed for the preservation of a fundamental piece of Milan’s architectural history. Further restoration work was carried out in 1982 and 2022, confirming the city’s commitment to keeping its cultural heritage alive.