Villa Muller, (Prague,Czech Republic); 1930; Modern architecture

Arch 162-M12 Spring 2018

Prof. Khorsandi

                                                                Mengoni Galleria di Milano

                The Mengoni galleria Vittorio Emanuele was design in 1861 and built from 1865 to 1877 in Milan, Italy. Design my Giuseppe Mengoni, its purpose was meant to house a shopping center with a construction system of masonry with an iron and glass roof. It was the first of its kind actually to use of an iron and glass structure. It was also built to connect the squares of La Scala and II Duomo, as well represent the union of church and state, turning from a frivolous meeting place into a walkway between two squares, perfect for demonstrations, rallies, and debates                                                 

Interior Columns: Composite Type                                           Exterior Columns: Korinthisch Type

The gallery is of Neo-classical style, almost approaching Baroque. 

Baroque                                                                                               Neo-Classical

The Gallery shares both of these styles, from the outside one can see its neo-classical roots, from the arches to the columns, but when one enters they are taken aback by the intriguing details layered on the walls, and even the windows. The change in color also plays a part in the realization of movement through the building. From the outside the gallery, one can see the triumphant arc which comes from Greek and Roman architecture. The square arc symbolizes a grand ‘ayoo’ welcome for the arriving soldiers from war, so in some way it gestures a grand welcome for arriving visitors.   As one travels inside, there is no need for artificial light in the time, due to the great iron and glass roof, which opens up the inner spaces and allows for a more natural feeling. The circulation drives visitors towards the center, where the most important things would be, or here people come together to converse and trade ideas.

Another aspect to consider is how the gallery itself creates its own atmosphere of the city. The form creates “blocks” and the walkways serve as pedestrian streets. The glass roof strengthens this idea of openness in an enclosed space.

                                                                                Cited Works

“Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.” Http://Www.greatbuildings.com, www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Galleria_Vittorio_Emanuel.html.

Pevsner, N. (1976). A History of Building Types. Princeton, JC: Princeton University Press. p. 265.

“1866-67.” Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II | 1866-67 - The Construction of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Men at Work, www.ingalleria.com/en/history/1866-67.