Artribune Podcast Explores Urban Regeneration of Milan's Ortica District

The fifth episode of Artribune's UrbanisMI podcast, written and narrated by Maria Chiara Virgili, focuses on the Ortica district of Milan. The series examines urban regeneration across Milan's neighborhoods, with this installment detailing Ortica's transformation from an agricultural village to a working-class hub and now a 'diffuse urban museum.' The episode covers the district's history, including its origins as an agricultural area on the Lambro River, its industrialization with factories and railways, and its strong community identity. Notable landmarks include the former Tropicana ballroom (now La Balera dell'Ortica), the Trattoria del Gatto Nero (documented since 1696), and the former Richard Ginori ceramics factory turned artist lofts. The podcast also discusses current regeneration projects in Ortica and nearby Lambrate, such as the Martinitt institute (now a cultural and university campus), Cascinet (renovated Cascina Sant'Ambrogio alla Cavriana), new housing developments East Garden and Housing in Dei Canzi by Arassociati and Caputo Partnership International, Bistolfi 31 by Beretta Associati, and macro-projects like Tre Piazze nel Parco by Lambrate Streaming and the Magnifica Fabbrica complex for Teatro alla Scala's storage and workshops. The episode highlights Ortica's resistance to gentrification, preserving its working-class roots through murals by OrMe-Ortica Memoria and Orticanoodles. The next episode will cover Bovisa.