Amiata Stories

Explore the rich history, cultural legacy, and community of Monte Amiata.

A community event happening in the plaza.
History
  • Timeline: 1944 land acquisition by Società Mineraria Monte Amiata; late-1960s commission; 1967 start; 1974 completion.
  • Discussion of social housing context in post-war Milan; intent to build for approx. 2,400 residents.
  • Description of site area (120,912 m²) and block arrangement: five buildings, central amphitheatre, triangular plazas.
  • Introduction to Carlo Aymonino (1926-2010) and Aldo Rossi (1931-1997).
  • The collaboration: Aymonino invited Rossi in 1968 to design part of the project.
  • Contrasting visions: Aymonino’s “fragmentism” (city as turbulent, varied texture) vs Rossi’s clear, uniform slab building.
  • The architectural significance: the intent of creating not just housing but a community, and their role in Italian architecture.
Curiosities
  • It’s nicknamed the “Red Dinosaur” (rosso)
  • Interesting architectural corridors, elevated walkways, bridges, varied volumes - where you can get lost or at least tele-transported into another dimension
  • Film/photography references (e.g., used as a location).
  • Trivia: It took the inspiration from Unité d’Habitation by Le Corbusier, and had the aim to improve on the model.