Alessandro Rimini: The Architect Behind Milan's Everyday Spaces

Fifty years after his death in 1976, Milan is finally recognizing the architectural legacy of Alessandro Rimini, an architect who shaped the city's modern face yet remained largely unknown. Born in Palermo in 1898 to a Venetian Jewish family, Rimini designed some of Milan's most iconic structures, including the Torre Snia Viscosa, Italy's first skyscraper, and several cinemas. Despite his significant contributions, Rimini never sought personal fame, famously stating, 'It is not I who must speak of my works, but if I have built something beautiful, they will speak of me.' His anonymity was also forced by the racial laws of 1938, which barred him from practicing architecture. He continued to work clandestinely, having colleagues sign his projects. In 1944, he was arrested by the SS and deported, but escaped during a stop in Verona and survived the war in hiding under the false identity of painter Guido Lara. Today, many of his buildings have been repurposed: the former Cinema Astra now houses a Zara store, the Teatro Smeraldo is an Eataly, and the Torre Snia remains a landmark. Recent efforts, including a 2013 plaque and a monograph by architectural historian Giovanna D'Amia, have begun to restore his name. Rimini's story is a testament to resilience and the enduring power of architecture.