The Architecture of Bruno Fedrigolli: From Brescia's First Skyscraper to Liverpool Cathedral
Bruno Fedrigolli (1921–1995), an Italian architect and ex-paratrooper, initiated his professional journey at Italy's inaugural skyscraper, the Torrione INA located in Brescia. After completing his studies at Iuav University in Venice, he went on to create the Crystal Palace of Brescia Due, a 110-meter tower constructed between 1989 and 1992. His portfolio encompasses a variety of projects, including private residences, public housing, educational institutions, shopping complexes, churches, and the underground parking of Piazza Vittoria, which he co-designed with Riccardo Morandi. In 1963, he was recognized as a finalist for the design of Liverpool's Catholic Cathedral, featuring twelve triangular concrete pinnacles. In 1968, critic Bruno Zevi invited him to participate in the IN/ARCH-Domosic competition. Fedrigolli's archive indicates a Renaissance-inspired design philosophy during the postwar expansion in northern Italy.
Key facts
- Bruno Fedrigolli was born in Costa di Rovigo in 1921 and died in Brescia in 1995.
- He served as a paratrooper in the Folgore division during WWII.
- His studio was on the top floor of Torrione INA, Italy's first skyscraper.
- He studied at Iuav University in Venice and was friends with Giò Pomodoro.
- The Crystal Palace of Brescia Due was built 1989–1992, reduced from 131m to 110m.
- In 1963 he was a finalist for Liverpool's Catholic Cathedral.
- His proposal for the Josephine Baker Foundation was published by Bruno Zevi in 1968.
- Villa Lorenzotti (mid-1960s) was designed for an Olivetti executive and uses local stone.
- His maquettes include a metal model for Villa Lorenzotti and a lamp for Crystal Palace.
- His archive is being rediscovered, revealing a non-provincial, experimental practice.
Entities
Artists
- Bruno Fedrigolli
- Marcello Piacentini
- Giò Pomodoro
- Riccardo Morandi
- Bruno Zevi
- Bruno Morassutti
- Enzo Mari
- Josephine Baker
- Sissi Cesira Roselli
Institutions
- Torrione INA
- Iuav University of Venice
- Crystal Palace of Brescia Due
- Pirelli skyscraper
- Piazza Vittoria
- Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- IN/ARCH-Domosic
- L'architettura. Cronache e storia
- Josephine Baker Foundation
- Olivetti
- Impresa Colombo Felice-Cassano d'Adda
- Artribune
Locations
- Costa di Rovigo
- Italy
- Brescia
- Venice
- Milan
- Liverpool
- United Kingdom
- New York
- United States
- Périgord
- France
- Cassano d'Adda
- Northern Italy