Urban transformations and monumental 'pastiches' in Milan after World War II. The square of Liberty and the façade of ex Hotel Corso

Abstract

After World War II, among the most critical operations of the buildings reconstruction in the city centre of Milan, there was the rebuilding and renovation of the Corso Vittorio Emanuele. This project also envisaged the creation of arcades along both sides of the road, and the creation of a new square, north of the course. At the beginning of reconstruction of the Corso Vittorio Emanuele area, appeared the problem of the preservation of the Hotel Corso façade (located at 15 of the Course). The building was largely damaged by bombs and had to be demolish and rebuilt, but his Liberty style stone façade, being considered one of the few surviving examples of this style of the early twentieth century in Milan, was therefore considered worthy of protection and preservation, regardless of the demolition of the building of which it was part. After much discussion by the construction company with the Superintendent of Monuments and the offices of the Municipality of Milan, the facade will be dismantled piece by piece and rebuilt on the front elevation of a new modern building in reinforced concrete in the new square to the north of the course, hence the name of "Liberty style Square", which still bears.