Pirellone: history and fascinating facts about Milan’s iconic skyscraper

The Pirelli skyscraper, otherwise known as the Pirellone, may no longer hold the title of Italy’s tallest skyscraper, but it remains steeped in architectural charm, standing as a symbol of Milan at the peak of its economic boom.

The history of the Pirellone

The Pirelli skyscraper is a landmark building in Milan and the headquarters of the Regional Council of Lombardy. Standing in Piazza Duca d’Aosta, next to the central station, it was designed by Gio Ponti in 1950 and constructed between 1956 and 1960.

At 127 metres tall, with 31 floors, two of which are underground, it is an iconic example of Italian rationalist architecture. Commissioned by the Pirelli group, the project brought together a team of architects and engineers led by Ponti. The foundation stone was laid in 1956, and the building was officially inaugurated on 4 April 1960.

From the outset, maintenance costs proved to be high, leading to its sale in 1978 to the Lombardy Region for 43 billion lire.

Gio Ponti’s architectural challenge

Gio Ponti was certainly not alone in designing the skyscraper on Via Fabio Filzi. He oversaw the design phases, while Giuseppe Valtolina managed the structural aspects, working alongside Pier Luigi Nervi, Arturo Danusso, Piero Locatelli, and Guglielmo Meardi.

Nervi’s expertise was crucial, as the relatively small width-to-height ratio made the structure particularly susceptible to wind forces. This necessitated the development of an innovative structural scheme, featuring seven rigid triangular supports at the extremities, hollow pillars, and four large central pillar-walls, all made of reinforced concrete. It was an unprecedented solution to the challenges and constraints associated with reinforced concrete.

Curiosity: the replica of the Madonnina atop the skyscraper

Built in a polygonal shape, the structure rises approximately 127 metres above the ground. At the time of its construction, it was one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe. With its 31 storeys, the Pirellone became a symbol of Milan, much like the Velasca Tower.

However, according to tradition, no building in Milan can be taller than the Madonnina atop the Duomo. To honour this custom, a gilded replica was placed on the Pirelli skyscraper, only slightly smaller than the original that stands among the spires of the city’s most iconic monument.

The running race

Since 2007, the skyscraper has hosted the Vertical Sprint, a 31-floor, 710-step running race completed in record time, around four minutes.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

Tag

Buildings and Skyscrapers

Subscribe to our newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with our latest news Subscribe with your email address to receive the latest news, updates and practical tips from the real estate world directly in your inbox

Subscribe