Velasca Tower

The Velasca Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in Milan, a symbol of post-war Italian architecture. Built between 1956 and 1958 by the BBPR studio (Banfi, Belgiojoso, Peressutti, Rogers), the tower stands at 106 meters high, dominating the urban landscape with its distinctive shape. Inspired by medieval towers and Lombard castles, the structure stands out for its bold and innovative design, integrating elements of tradition with modern solutions. The historical context in which the Velasca Tower was born is that of post-war reconstruction. Milan, devastated by the bombings of World War II, is experiencing a period of intense economic and cultural rebirth. In this climate of renewal, the BBPR studio conceived the tower as a bridge between past and future, a building that dialogues with the city’s history while projecting itself towards new architectural frontiers.The tower is developed on a narrower base that widens at the top, creating a visually striking effect. This design, in addition to recalling medieval fortified structures, responds to specific functional needs: the base houses shops and offices, while the upper floors, larger, accommodate residential apartments. This design feature allows for optimizing the use of space, ensuring structural stability and living comfort.The interiors of the Velasca Tower reflect the same attention to detail and functionality that characterizes the exterior. The apartments, designed to meet the needs of the Milanese bourgeoisie, feature large windows offering panoramic views of the city. The materials used, including wood, glass, and steel, give the spaces an elegant and modern atmosphere, in line with the taste of the time.An interesting aspect of the Velasca Tower is its relationship with the surrounding environment. Located in the historic center of Milan, near historic buildings such as the Duomo and the Sforza Castle, the tower harmoniously blends into the urban fabric thanks to its shape and materials. The brick facade, in fact, echoes the tones and textures of the surrounding buildings, creating a visual dialogue between ancient and modern.The Velasca Tower has elicited contrasting reactions since its inauguration. While it has been praised for its innovative design and its ability to integrate tradition and modernity, it has also attracted criticism for its aesthetic boldness. However, over the years, the building has become a symbol of the city and an icon of Italian architecture, appreciated for its uniqueness and its historical and cultural value.An interesting anecdote concerns the name of the tower, which derives from the nearby Piazza Velasca, named after the Spanish governor Juan Fernández de Velasco, who lived in the 17th century. This connection to Milan’s history is emblematic of the BBPR project, which aimed to create a building deeply rooted in the local context but capable of looking towards the future.In 2011, the tower underwent a significant restoration intervention aimed at preserving its structural integrity and improving energy efficiency. This restoration included cleaning and restoring the facades, updating the systems, and requalifying the interior spaces, ensuring a sustainable future for the tower.The Velasca Tower represents a perfect example of how architecture can respond to the challenges of its time, integrating innovation and tradition in a continuous dialogue. Its history and form make it a living monument of human creativity and ingenuity, capable of inspiring and fascinating generations of architects and citizens.