Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

The Galleria

Milan

Italy

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
October 25, 2002
December 14, 2017

An arched, glass ceiling connects several Neo-Classical buildings, creating an indoor shopping arcade adjacent to Milan's central square.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

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Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Architect Giuseppe Mengoni refurbished the Piazza Duomo, MilanÍs central square, in the middle of the 19th Century, and built the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in 1877. He created a covered shopping area by building an arched iron-and-glass ceiling over the intersection of two major streets. The glass roof connected the existing Neo-Classical buildings along these two ornately tiles streets. The arcade included shops and restaurants, and offices and apartments occupied upper floors.

Both the materials he used and the concept of creating an enclosed shopping area were innovative at the time. The model would soon be replicated in many cities, Naples and Moscow, to name two. The Galleria is not completely enclosed, however; the arched doorways are open.

The Neo-Classical design of the North and South entrances was intended to be repeated on the West side, but was never completed. Just one day before the Galleria was inaugurated, as Mengoni was inspecting some decorative work from scaffolding, he slipped, fell, and plunged to his death.

Related Links & Sources

The Galleria
Top two photos courtesy of shoestringtravels.com
The Galleria
The Galleria
The Galleria
The Galleria
The Galleria
The Galleria
The Galleria

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

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