8. Palimpsest
MILANO / IT / 2019
In partnership with Suada Dema / POLIMI
Pal-imp-sest:
a parchment or tablet, reused after earlier writing has been erased
“The land, so heavily charged with traces and with past readings, seems very similar to a palimpsest.”
André Corboz, The Land as a Palimpsest, 1983
André Corboz, The Land as a Palimpsest, 1983
The palimpsest concept puts an emphasis on the ever-changing , transient nature of people’s perceptions and ways of living eventually being represented in the architectural style of a certain time period. The superimposition of distinct layers adds a new meaning to architectural elements and their context making one see architecture not merely as an organization of space but also as a composition of time. In this case what one can observe is not only the result of a process , but rather a part of each of the phases that led to the current condition.
Pirelli Hangar Bicocca manifests traces of each period in which its occupation and function changed. It was in the beginning of 20th century when Ernesto Breda decided to relocate the company to Bicocca this way marking the inception of the industrialization of the area followed by other important companies of the time. The Breda factory , mostly famous for manufacturing electrical and steam machinery also produced First World War equipment like aeroplanes and projectiles. The existing building is the result of several demolitions and additions made throughout the years. Maintaining its function since 1920 there is the shed , a low red brick building featuring skylights in its double pitched roof where farming tools used to be manufactured. The huge metal finish structure juxtaposed to it was constructed in 1960’s connecting the shed and the barrel vaulted building. The cubic barrel vaulted structure was constructed in the 50’s meanwhile sheds and storage facilities were eliminated in order to make place for the garden where “ La Sequenza “ a metal sculpture by Fausto Melotti is displayed since 2010. Nowadays the building functions as a contemporary art exhibition space.
When put in the context of architecture the palimpsest is not only physically visible but there is also an overlay of concepts derived in different historical moments, the traces of which are still clearly noticeable if one observes this particular area. The old traditional brickwork is seen attached to the industrial metal cladding and there is a clear diversion to the brutal concrete facades featuring shimmering glass present in the site . A shift between very distinct cultural and economical stages is made obvious emphasizing the tendency towards industrialization.
In addition to these formal interventions, the recent changes in the facades consist on several layers of graffiti that alter the character of the buildings in a new way. This new layer of the palimpsest goes along with the change in the function of the building , giving the area a notion of artistic expression.
