Vetra Building: New Publications Chronicle Milanese Architecture and Public Art

Two new volumes published by AXA and Artribune document the history and recent transformation of the Vetra Building in Milan, originally designed by architect Ferdinando Reggiori and inaugurated in 1962 as the Esattoria Civica. The first book, "Vetra Building. Storia di un’architettura nel cuore di Milano" (BAMS editions), traces the building's evolution from its 1959 construction permit through post-war urban renewal, including the creation of Parco delle Basiliche. It also covers the 2021 redevelopment by AXA IM Alts, which demolished a central section to create an internal piazza and converted the structure into offices and coworking spaces designed by Il Prisma. The second volume is a monograph on Cabaret Typographie's public installation "Invece di stelle ogni sera si accendono parole" (2022), part of the Vetra Passage series curated by Helga Marsala. It documents the collective's graphic intervention and a workshop with NABA students. Both books feature contributions from Politecnico di Milano professors Maria Antonietta Crippa and Ferdinando Zanottera, and were printed by Bonvini 1909. A launch event will be held on February 10, 2023, at the Vetra Building. The building also features a permanent light installation "X" by Patrick Tuttofuoco on its facade.