Ettore Sottsassa’s secret house in the center of Milan
Born in 2019 Forgotten architecture, a digital world where you can rediscover forgotten or lesser-known modern architecture. The principle is simple: to restore the projects of little-known, unknown architects, works of great masters that remained in the shadows, delving into “smaller figures”, combining different educational courses in the history of architecture. The project started as a Facebook group and over time developed into an online program Milan Triennale, an architectural tour of Italy, and soon a book and documentary. Today I will tell you the story of that house Ettore Sottsass Jr. designed in the mid-1960s for his artist friend Tomato Arnaldo. Or rather “non-domestic”, as one of the client’s requirements was to have a space to himself in which to work, without the real feeling of a home nest.
It is around 1966 that the artist Tomato Arnaldo who loves Sottsass for the renovation of a raised floor in the center of Milan, which he recently bought and which he wants to transform into a space for working and welcoming customers. In short, a place without a great emotional atmosphere, without the memories of those who live there. A space capable of reflecting the soul of a professional who does not hope for the idea of life, peace and tranquility humor typical of Sottsass’ work. So the architect is thinking of a space for Pomodoro, which, even without colors, can convey a feeling of calm and warmth.