TORRI DI MADONNA BIANCA
The project consists of the renovation of eight social housing towers in Trento.
The Madonna Bianca district (1971–1976), designed by Marcello Armani and Luciano Perini, with Efrem Ferrari and Paolo Mayr, can be considered a paradigmatic example of a social housing complex from the 1970s, and one of the few built examples in Italy that managed to fulfil the modernist ideals of large-scale planning and democratic housing.
A careful evaluation process was undertaken to determine whether it would be better to demolish and rebuild the entire complex. However, after extensive discussion, the historical, architectural and material value of the buildings became clear to both the local social housing agency and the community. A collective decision was therefore made to preserve and improve the existing complex.
For this reason, the architectural, seismic and energy-related renovation was conceived as a sensitive conservation project, seeking to preserve the complex’s historical value and architectural identity.
Large-format prefabricated panels have been used on the façades to preserve the material and chromatic character of the towers while ensuring optimal thermal insulation. The dimensions and proportions of the new panels follow those of the original prefabricated concrete elements.
A new solar shading system has been introduced on the west-facing elevations, with tones and colours inspired by a 1977 artwork by Luigi Senesi, an important figure in the Trentino art scene during the 1970s. The colour compositions are designed to give each dwelling a distinct colour, while maintaining a predominant colour for each tower, making the buildings recognisable within the complex and giving each residential block its own visual identity.
On the ground floor, the entrance halls have been redesigned to provide full accessibility for bicycles, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The renovation process has also become an opportunity to enhance the public spaces serving the community, combining environmental and social sustainability.
