Pirelli Building

Palazzo Pirelli, also known as the Pirellone, is one of the most iconic buildings in Milan and a symbol of the architectural modernity and technological innovation of post-war Italy. Designed by architect Gio Ponti in collaboration with Pier Luigi Nervi and Arturo Danusso, the skyscraper is located in Piazza Duca d’Aosta, in the immediate vicinity of Milan’s Central Station. Construction began in 1956 and was completed in 1960. Gio Ponti’s vision was to create a building that represented Italy’s economic boom and post-war rebirth. The slender and tapered shape of the skyscraper was a challenge to the traditional blocky skyscrapers of the time. With its 127 meters in height spread over 32 floors, the Pirellone immediately became the tallest skyscraper in Italy and, for a brief period, the tallest in Europe. The reinforced concrete structure, a bold choice for the time, demonstrated Nervi’s engineering expertise, who designed an innovative structural system with seven rigid triangular ends and central pillar-walls to ensure stability and wind resistance. The facade of Palazzo Pirelli is characterized by large glass surfaces that give the building a light and transparent appearance. This design not only allowed for a panoramic view of the city but also symbolized the openness and transparency of the new Italian corporate institutions. The interiors, designed by Ponti himself along with Alberto Rosselli, were conceived to be functional and elegant at the same time, with a skillful use of materials such as rubber and linoleum for floors and coverings. The Pirellone is not only an example of architectural excellence but also a symbol of economic power and industrial revival. The project was commissioned by the Pirelli family, already known for their tire industry, to house the company’s headquarters. This skyscraper represented a monument to their entrepreneurial vision and the innovative capacity that characterized Italy during the years of the economic miracle. The influence of Palazzo Pirelli extended far beyond Italian borders. Its distinctive shape and elegance inspired other buildings around the world, such as the Pan Am Building (now MetLife Building) in New York and the National Mutual West Plaza in Auckland. This demonstrates how post-war Italian architecture was able to engage with international trends, contributing to defining new aesthetic and functional standards. The skyscraper has undergone various restorations and renovations to maintain its integrity and efficiency. One of the most significant interventions was in 2002, when a small plane crashed into the 26th floor of the building, causing damage and unfortunately casualties. The building was promptly repaired, once again demonstrating the resilience of its structure. Today, Palazzo Pirelli houses the Regional Council of Lombardy, continuing to be a point of reference not only for its physical grandeur but also for the central role it plays in the political and administrative life of the region. Its strategic location and history make it a place of great symbolic and functional importance.