DECODING MILAN PORTFOLIO
DHARAN KORUDUVAR dharankumar.korduvar.bud16@cept.ac.in
HYPOTHESIS Understanding the PORTICO as a public space and assessing its evolution through Milan on the basis of its form, function, relationship to its context and its users.
Portello
Corso Sempione Trienalle Castello
Duomo
The Broletto in Milan is one of the oldest buildings in Milan. Initially built by the Romans in the 2nd AD, the Broletto acted as a gathering space for people to speak to the authorities. Redesigned in the 12th century the redesign was one of the first example of porticoes in milan and it worked perfectly as a public shaded space. Analysis of the form, function and the context of Broletto helps us understanding why it was successful as a space. The proximity to Duomo and the location of Broletto along the Cardo and Documano helped it flourish as a municipality, a activity zone and public market. the Porticos in Broletto is thus used as a yardstick to analyze the other porticoes in Milan.
Piazza Del Duomo Duomo
Tourist
Shopper
Performer
Double height portico Same level as public square Large windows into shops Similar elevations of porticoes in Duomo Historic center of city Good public accessibility
200 natives
300 tourists
500 users in 5min
Facade Street
Shops Piazza Duomo
Portico
Portico
Other Porticoes
Portico Dell’ Elefante Sforzo Castello
Typical portico in the 14th century Overlooking the garden at Castello Outside the thoroughfare of passersby Seating present but seldom used Used to be a focal point due to presence of statue Used by museum goers and photographers
Tourist
15 tourists
orkers 21 users in 5min
Courtyard
Facade
Seating
SeatingW
6 natives
Museum
Portico
Portico
Other Porticoes
Shopping Centre Portello
Modern interpretation of portico. 21st century Walkway for shoppers Present along shops of complex Single height, made of steel and UPVC Same level as exterior and interior Used by shoppers and local residents Only shaded walkway for passersby
50 natives
18 tourists
Local Residents
Shoppers
68 users in 5min
Hardpaved outdoor
Portico Shops
Facade
Portico
Other Porticoes
MKT srl Housing Corso Sempione
Long walkway Private space only accessible to residents
20 native residents
Local Residents
Overlooking small garden Built in the 1960s typical post modern architecture Portico only leads to the service lifts Could have been public walkway if opened
20 users in 5min Facade
Portico
Other Porticoes
CONCLUSION
The Portico has been part of Milanese architecture since the city came into existence. A portico creates a perfect transition between the exterior and interior spaces of the building. This transitional space thus leads to a plethora of activities that can arise giving new meaning to urban life in a city like Milan. The design and usage of the space though has vastly changed across the years. From a very public zone at the Piazza Del Duomo to a private access spaces like the ones MKT srl and the Residential Towers by Cino Zucchi, the function of these porticoes also have evolved. We also find examples of porticoes that once flourished as public space but not longer work since the functions within or the thoroughfare changed. The portico thus becomes a delicate space with its usage vastly changing by altering its parameters. Through our analysis of 4 porticoes, 2 classical and 2 modern we get a fair understanding of how some Porticoes in Milan work better as public spaces than others.
Present along the street and thoroughfare
Porticoes that were designed and still work as public spaces are those that have a street along it or have an active thoroughfare of passersby. It helps people to seek shade and to walk in those transitional spaces before reaching their destinations. The Piazza Del Duomo and the shopping centers in Portello are good examples of the portico being in the public thoroughfare.
A strong public function that can be universally well accessed
A public function that has good accessibility attracts more people towards the point and therefore a portico alongside it become a point of movement and activity. Functions such a shopping, gallery, museum help the portico function more than just a space but also a point where public artists and performers can thrive.
Facade design that compliments the Portico
Many modern and contemporary buildings have porticoes that are accessible but do not get used since it is not visible for a passerby. The facade of the building facing the thoroughfare has to be designed in such a way that it expresses the presence of a Portico so that movement can be induced through it.
Minimal or no level difference between the portico and the inside/ outside Though often neglected the physical level difference between the outside and the portico can change peoples perception and urge to use it. Porticoes at Trienalle and Palazzo dei Giureconsulti are good examples where a level difference discourages users to use the portico as a public space.