Residential complex Gallaratese II

Monte Amiata Housing Development is a residential complex located in the Gallaratese district of Milan. It consists of five blocks with a total of 440 apartments. Construction began in the second half of the 1960s and was completed in 1974. It was designed by architects Carlo Aymonino and Aldo Rossi as a solution to the need for affordable housing. Their main source of inspiration was the Unité d’habitation building in Marseille by Le Corbusier.
The building is known for its design, which includes a mix of geometric shapes and volumes that are combined in harmony, creating a breathtaking visual. The blocks vary in height but share a similar architectural language and form one complex. One of the blocks is white and creates an interesting contrast against the dark remainder. Concrete is the primary building material used. The structure features deep balconies that provide residents with ample outdoor space and encourage them to live more as a community. The balconies also serve as a distinctive element of the complex, acting as a way for residents to recognize their apartment from a distance.
The building is a cultural symbol within Milan. This work has been the subject of numerous books and publications, and its influence is evident in contemporary architecture. Monte Amiata Housing Development stands out as an example of how architecture can serve as a solution addressing social needs and how architectural design can create unique, visually stunning, and functional structures.