Abandoned Brutalist Masterpiece Marchiondi Spagliardi Reopens in Milan
The Istituto Marchiondi Spagliardi, a notable Brutalist structure crafted by Vittoriano Viganò between 1953 and 1957, reopened its doors during the 2023 Milan Design Week after remaining closed since the late 1970s. Once abandoned for 40 years, it received acclaim from critics such as Bruno Zevi and André Bloc. Originally, the facility accommodated 300 boys facing cognitive or behavioral challenges and was recognized for its brightness and modular design. As part of Fuorisalone 2023, it showcased the exhibition 'Reforming Future' created by students from Politecnico di Milano. A resolution passed in 2022 advocates for its transformation into affordable housing and artist studios, including plans for Italy's first Art Brut center. The building was designated by the Soprintendenza di Milano in 2008.
Key facts
- Istituto Marchiondi Spagliardi reopened during 2023 Milan Design Week after 40 years of abandonment.
- Designed by Vittoriano Viganò and built between 1953 and 1957.
- Bruno Zevi compared it to the University of Urbino and Olivetti Center.
- International critics praised it: André Bloc, Reyner Banham, Smithsons, Fry, Drew.
- MoMA does not have a model of the institute.
- Housed 300 boys with cognitive or behavioral issues.
- Exhibition 'Reforming Future' by Politecnico students during Fuorisalone 2023.
- Listed by Soprintendenza di Milano in 2008.
- 2022 city council resolution supports conversion to student housing and artist studios.
- Proposal to create Italy's first Art Brut center at the site.
Entities
Artists
- Vittoriano Viganò
- Bruno Zevi
- Giancarlo de Carlo
- André Bloc
- Reyner Banham
- Alison Smithson
- Peter Smithson
- Maxwell Fry
- Jane Drew
- Le Corbusier
- BBPR
- Giovanni Segantini
- Luigi Figini
- Gino Pollini
- Armando Ronca
- Ferruccio Calzonari
- Michele De Lucchi
- Andrea Branzi
- Francesca Balena Arista
- Marco De Santi
- Mario Greco
- Valerio Castelli
- Carlo de Carli
- Arrigo Arrighetti
- Ignazio Gardella
- Jean Dubuffet
Institutions
- Istituto Marchiondi Spagliardi
- Giorgio Armani Spa
- Palazzo Orsini
- Politecnico di Milano
- MoscaPartners
- Fondazione Collegio delle Università milanesi
- Comune di Milano
- Soprintendenza di Milano
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- UNESCO
- Art Brut Center Gugging
- L'Architecture d'Aujourd'hui
- Zodiac
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- via Borgonuovo
- via Noale
- Baggio
- Ivrea
- Urbino
- New York
- Vienna
- San Siro
- Portello
- Parco Agricolo Sud Milano
- Sant'Ambrogio
- Forlanini