Restoration, Architecture, Context
The search for a relation between architecture and its background can’t be casual methodology, it must be
the only way to conceive architecture. This background, the genius loci, is the totality of socio-cultural,
architectural, stylistic and traditional features.
Luckily, many examples show an array of diverse and brave solutions to the hard task of establish a
continuity between the contemporary and existing architecture, because restoration/conservation does not
imply a renounce to the designing process.
The criteria to solve this difficult relationship are: compatibility, legibility and reversibility, and they all
inform the main restoration project designed by Luigi Ferrario.
Conservation is the main task in the restoration of the fifteenth-century’s San Michele Monastery, here
contemporary elements were quietly introduced in the interior design and in the furnishing project.
Integrating architecture is the theme for the restoration of Legnano Castle.
The original walls constitute
the physical perimeter of the structure into which a new architectural construction is inserted based on a
new framework that include the tower and church.
In the ancient village of Gaggiano, the project has the goal of restoring both banks of the Naviglio Grande
by creating pedestrian and limited-traffic zones with a careful and intelligent combination of traditional
materials and innovative technologies, as well as contemporary elements of street furniture.
The design of Piazza Parravicino, in Tornavento, integrates the historical and natural environment by
using traditional materials and highlighting the uniqueness of the connection between the town and the
valley. Some bold elements like the modular or revolving metallic benches and an iron-mesh and glass
terrace overlooking the valley complete the project encouraging new approaches to the space.
