Sesto San Giovanni and Falck Village, a bubble in the city

SESTO SAN GIOVANNI VILLAGGIO FALCK

URBAN SOCIOLOGY

group 9

Carlos Alberto Manzano Moran

Akkus Asu Ecem, Beqiri Xhon, Carrara Matteo, Chiodaroli Marta, Giacchino Francesco, Iqbal Marriam, Kozak Weronika, Min Jaehee, Smoter Magda, Tschechne Albert

Politecnico di Milano | Master’s Degree in Architecture and Urban Design | A.A. 2022/2023

Sesto 1 Maggio FS

Bicocca

Centrale FS

Duomo

Villaggio Falck

It feels like Milan is even more distant

TERRITORIO

Train line Metro line Highway Main roads Stations Metro station in Sesto

SESTO SAN GIOVANNI (MI)

The only thing missing is a metro station.

Regione Lombardia Provincia Milano Densità Abitativa (Abitanti/Kmq) 6.854,5

Sesto San Giovanni is a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Milan, Lombardy, northern Italy. Its railway station is the northernmost stop on the Milan Metro M1 line. The comune has the honorary title of city, despite being a de facto suburb of Milan.

TERRITORIO

demography and ethinicity

DATI DEMOGRAFICI

Popolazione (N.) 81.706 Famiglie (N.) 39.272 Maschi (%) 48,1 Femmine (%) 51,9 Stranieri (%) 17,4

Età Media (Anni) 46,1

Variazione % Media Annua (2015/2020)

Stato Civile (n.) %

Celibi 19.629 24,47

Nubili 17.457 21,77

Coniugati 16.951 21,14

Coniugate 17.464 21,77

Divorziati 1.014 1,26

Divorziate 1.674 2,09 Vedovi 1.018 1,27 Vedove 4.996 6,23

INHABITANTS 81.706 MAN WOMAN FOREIGNERS

POPULATION TREND

48% 51,9% 17,4% 82000 81500 81000 80500 80000 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Regione Lombardia Provincia Milano Densità Abitativa (Abitanti/Kmq) 6.854,5

DATI DEMOGRAFICI

Popolazione (N.) 81.706 Famiglie (N.) 39.272 Maschi (%) 48,1 Femmine (%) 51,9 Stranieri (%) 17,4 Età Media (Anni) 46,1 Variazione % Media Annua (2015/2020)

Stato Civile (n.) %

Celibi 19.629 24,47 Nubili 17.457 21,77 Coniugati 16.951 21,14 Coniugate 17.464 21,77 Divorziati 1.014 1,26

SESTO SAN GIOVANNI

Sesto San Giovanni is a municipality northern Italy. Its railway station is line. The comune has the honorary Milan.

INHABITANTS 81.706

MAN WOMAN FOREIGNERS

48% 51,9% 17,4% 82000 81500 81000

FOREIGN COMMUNITIES 17,4%

POPULATION TREND

The plant in Sesto San Giovanni in 1909

Once upon a time, when Sesto was still the Stalingrad of Italy...

Survey path area 1 area 2 area 3

The city has changed, it is no longer solidary and unified.

3rd area – Villaggio Falck

abandoned industrial area 2nd area – Sesto’s centre

1st area – west side of Sesto

‘His gaze is a little lost, as if he didn’t recognize the buildings, the movements, the bodies.’

WEST SIDE

It’s the most ‘Milanese’ area. The scale of the spaces and the fast dynamics don’t leave much space for social dynamics along the pathways. Few bars are open facing the cars flowing through the larger roads.

We met mostly foreigners and those on their way to work/home or in the middle of other

CITY CENTRE

This area gives the feel of a small town, with its own services and activities. There is space both for pedestrian and for interaction.

During the first fieldwork we met mainly elder inhabitants and students leaving school. Some people were eating in local bars, but most shops were closed for lunch

‘He wanders around the square full of people, stalls, cars.’

VILLAGGIO FLACK

The Village has it’s own dimension, it is completely isolated from the rest of the city by the abandoned industrial area. The main road that connects it to the city of Sesto is an expressway, with some greenery, but very poor pedestrian space.

The district at first seemed like a ghost area, quiet and desolated. We met some inhabitants while walking around that were coming back home with groceries. The only

site survey

transportation and porosity

I think they were working on a new metro stop Pelucca, but I think 1 km away.

This is the village – houses and church. And then the road and industrial site. There is a long distance between the village and the first metro stop.

Falck Village has it’s own dimension, detatched from the fast road and other calamities

Falck Village has it’s own dimension, is detatched from the fast road and other calamities like an island.

Industrial area it’s a wide space that extend and increase. It flattens all the noises and urban events.

Industrial area is a wide space, which flattens all the noises and urban events.

Town and urban centre – dynamic and chaotic, restuarants and other activties face an expressway.

Town and urban center still dynamic and chaotic, restuarants and other activities face this road.

VIALE ITALIA TRAIN LINE

1950

NOW 1950

- Are there any events? - Once, now nothing... Maybe at Vulcano?

Circolo

MILANO SESTO

different calamities present in the two hithe 20th century, many activities made and independent. At the end of 1900 areas VULCANO where requalified with a

FALCK PRODUCTION

We can see the difference which occured in the importance and use of areas in Falck, especially when the industrial areas were requalified. Notable is the increase of importance of Vulcano, a commercial centre in the place of Vulcano plant.

FALCK PRODUCTION

MILANO

We can see the different calamities present in the two historical moments, in the 20th century, many activities made the Village active and independent. At the end of 1900 the ex industrial areas VULCANO where requalified with a commercial center.

San Giorgio Church

School

MILANO

Circolo San Giorgio Village Church

School School

QUESTIONS

- Do you live here?

- How long have you lived here?

- Do you like living here?

- Do you work here? Where do you work?

- Did the area changed with the passing of years?

- What do you think about the area?

- Which are the main problems?

- Are there some important issues for what concerns you?

Young boy (13

I moved here recently and i lived outside Sesto San Giovanni.

I think the area is normal and there are no really noteworthy details. I think the area is improving as they have improved the library and continuing to improve in other sectors.

Old man (around 70’/80’)

I have been living here for 60 years now and I moved from Tuscany around 1960 for work.

I have worked here for most of my life as a tax collector and during that times the area was full of workers for Marelli and Falck, while now they’re all gone.

Now i have a simple routine going to catch my granddaughter from school.

Over time the neighborhood has undergone major changes progressively getting worse and worse. Nowadaysmost of the companies are already or are closing contrary to when I arrived here.

Mid age woman (around 50’)

I don't live in the area, i just work there.

I work as a secretary in an metalworking office.

Over time the neighborhood is getting worse and i would never live there as it is today; too much caos.

In particular, safety is a particularly worrying topic in terms of how I hear about it from clients.

The environment in general is bad and even the areas are poorly equipped and there are no green areas.

Mid age woman and old woman (50 and 70 years)

We have always lived in Sesto and we don’t like the city which is ugly, dirty, it offers nothing and there are problems with the mayor. Security is a problem and shops have closed due to the mall.

We don’t participate so much in the activities of the city, we have little interest in them.

Actually we are here because we are tied to school and work, but wewould like to leave.

We know little about the project in the Falck area, just hoping for the better rather than the abandoned area.

Old woman (around 80’)

I have lived here since 1964 and i have worked in the neighborhood all my life.

The area has only gotten worse over time, especially with regards to safety.

Young girl (11 years)

I live in Milan and i just come here for school.

I prefer this neighborhood to where i live, because i live outside the city and there are several nice areas here like piazza delle tartarughe where i could buy a piadina or a panino.

I would change something, but in general the neighborhood gives me good vibes.

Security, on the other hand, is a bit so-so.

Old man (around 70’)

I have lived in this area for 50 years and i have worked for the Falck company.

With the passage of time the situation and the district are constantly worsening; all in the general indifference of the authorities and people.

On the main road in front of the areas where the Falck stood it was once full of shops and activities for the workers, while nowadays there is nothing left.

The area in general died immediately after the closure of the factory and is full of problems, including the safety.

Now i live in Falck village, but i am worried that with the completion of the new project the living costs may rise.

Mid age man (around 50’)

I have lived in the Falck village for 10 years, but i work in Cinisello. During this time i have not noticed any particular changes. In the area there are no bars and there are no small services, but the Vulcano supermarket is nearby. With the realization of the “Città della salute” there could be a change in the real estate market.

Woman (around 40’)

I have lived in the Falck village since i was born as both my grandfather and my father have always worked for the Falck company. In the area we have always lived well and in the past it was an active and pleasant space with lots of places and activities; while now only the hairdresser and the beautician remained open and if youwant to do anything you have to move.

My daughter goes to the high school and unfortunately she is unable to be independent, as for example in the evening outings as she cannot walk home alone.

Before there was a sense of community within the village, while now the kids don't talk to each other and don't go out together. Although the area is nice and quiet there is the desire to go and live in a more popular and active area.

In the last period the presence of foreigners in the neighborhood has increased and due to the realization of the new project near the village the houses that had remained unsold have been bought despite the increase in prices.

One of the main problems in the area is that of security.

falck village

QUESTIONS

- Do you live here?

- How long have you lived here?

- Do you like living here?

- Do you work here? Where do you work?

- Do you feel safe?

Young man and woman (around 20 years)

(young man) - I study in Milan, but i live nearby the area since i was born and i actually like it.

In all my life i never had particular problems living here, obviously you can’t expect to have the life that is present in Milan, for that there are the metropolitan connection, but it’s chiller.

Contrarly to what people think the area is quite safe, the problem is that it doesn’t promote its activities itself; for example i only found at the beginning of the university that in a street next to my house there’s a club of chess.

(young woman) - I don’t live here, i only come here sometimes because of him (boyfriend).

I don’t like the area that much, but it’s quiet and chill. Being a woman i would never walk alone in these streets becausei’m a little scared even tho nothing has ever happened to me. Maybe the worst palce to go is “cascina gatti”.

Young man (20 years)

I live in Monza and study in Milan, i only came here for my piano lessons.

I attend teh lessons in that building over there (palazzo Donizzetti), it’s a bit bad maintened, but there a lot of activities in it. Personally i would never live here beacuse i don’t like the area, i don’t know how to explain, but it’s kinda sad. About the safety i honestly feel safe and i’ve never had any problem.

I don’t know, the buildings are sad, there’s no green and it’s “cold”. The good thing about Sesto are the pubblic transports and the good connection with Milan, while where i live this is a weak point.

Mid age woman (around ‘40)

I live here since i was born and my child has born here too. I like the area, maybe it would need to sponsor in a better way the activities it offers.

On a safety i don’t have particular problems, infact my daughter always go around alone without any worries.

SURVEY interviews

Young boy (16 years)

falck village

I was born here and there is my life here, my house and my friends.

I love this village, i feel like it is my zone, now i’m waiting for my frind to arrive.

I feel safe and i never had any type of probelm; i know people don’t have a good reputation about this zone, but the reality is different.

Obviously there are certain zones that are more noisy and “dangerous”, like for example Pelucca.

When i go out with my frinds in general i go to the vulcano (shopping centre) and in the centre of sesto.

I used to go in Milan when i was younger.

Young man and woman (around ‘20)

We recently transferred here and we have choosen the area because of the quietness and the low prices.

For now we love the zone, we would like if the municipality would take in consideration the idea to open new activities like just a pub, but it’s still fine.

The only problem are the pubblic transports, in fact even tho in sesto the connection is great the situation in the falck village is completely different; we only have one bus stop and the bus never arrives on time.

Because of this problem sometimes i walk until i reach the centre of sesto; it’s a common habit i developed.

I use to walk, sometimes alone, also during the evening and night time and i never encounterd problems or ever felt unsafe; as i said it’s maybe too chill, but it’s very safe.

Young men, women, new couples, old ladies...All in agreement: “We don’t remember, no!”

“Do you remember?” “No, I don’t remember” “But who do you want to remember?” “No one here remembers anything...”

focus: villaggio falck

“RICORDAMI PER SEMPRE” fotoromanzo created by Mufoco, Museum of Contemporary Photography in Cinisello Balsamo The main character, Lorenzo, comes back to Villaggio Falck after 30 years to look for his childhood love. He observes the changes in his home town.

A certain sense of community is lost.

focus:

history

I remember it very well, then the workers with their salary managed to buy a small house, men who went to work by bicycle, today only desolation.

villaggio falck

focus: villaggio falck history

My grandfather was a worker of Falck.

The image of Villaggio Falck as a centre of working-class community is also visible in various social media groups, like Milano sparita e da ricordare, which gives a sense of nostalgia for “the old days of prosperity”.

It also shows, that the feeling of community is still present, even if its source is mostly the common sense of neglect and abandonment.

The group Noi del Villaggio Falck and their actions, like a letter written to the authorities published by many newspapers, is another proof of that.

Everyone believed that behind the walls of the factory there were some kind of monkeys, capable only of doing the same thing over and over again. Instead there was an incredible humanity. Very specialized workers. But not only. Artists, too. People who played, painted, sculpted after work, went to Milan by tram to hear classical or jazz concerts. We often entered the factory still singing. The factory was not just a place to work. It was also a proletarian university. You learned to know your rights, to defend them. Assemblies and strikes were organized. There was discussion. We fought.

At Falck there was the creme de la creme of the working class...

focus: villaggio falck history

It was a Milan we don’t have anymore.

of the falck a letter written by the inhabitants in 2014

“

We are a representing all of the residents of the Falck Village, and we are interested in the redevelopment of this important and historic district of Sesto San Giovanni. Everyone knows the problems of the Falck Village and the potential that this district could have. Like the Crespi Village, the Falck Village could also be a destination for curious tourists, local or otherwise, interested in the working-class life of the industrial years of the “Stalingrad of Italy”. Even though in the past we have obtained few results, today the strength of the residents of the Falck has increased, thanks both to the new arrivals and to those who have never given up over the years.

Already in 1999, mayor Penati had guaranteed to use funds derived from waste storage in the former Vulcano area, for the village (about 2 billion lire): NEVER RECEIVED... Followed by mayor Oldrini written commitment (Prot. 154 of the 14/03/2007 attachment), that had promised that the TRIANGOLO-VERDE once used by the residents of Villaggio Falck as the only public green area in the neighborhood (but fenced off and used as a landfill) would soon be returned to the residents and would once again host the S. GIORGIO football team, literally evicted without warning (promise NEVER KEPT), as well as other promises, such as a park with sports equipment, a play area for children. They had also guaranteed the “disappearance” of the Peluccaa motorway exit: STILL ACTIVE! (...)”

residents

street wall in Sesto San Giovanni

The community is strong.

planned development

project area, new stadium

I hope for a future that lives up to the past.

The stadium is a part of the redevelopment project MilanoSesto, which masterplan was designed by Norman Foster. It is also a crucial part of the agenda to promote and increase potential of AC Milan by Redbird, a US company, who made the acquisition of the club in August 2022. The building of the stadium will be located next to a disused factory buildings, which, according to the visualisations, will be transformed into places with cultural amenities or gastronomy.

It is presented as a very easy to reach location, but without the currently built station it is located quite far from M1 and the easiest way of access is by car. The only bus running in that direction is 701, which, during peak hours, goes approximately every 20 min. During weekends and off-peak it sometimes runs 2 times per hour.

development area

VILLAGIO FALCK

new AC Milan Stadium

planned developements

MilanoSesto project

MilanoSesto

Masterplan: Norman Foster

Student residence: Park Associati Offices, hotel: ACPV Architects Housing: Barreca & La Varra with Scandurra Studio Architettura Park: LAND

“The intervention area hosts the now dismissed productive plants of Acciaierie Falck, a steel company that played an important role in Italy’s 20th century industrial history. The buildings represent a unique architectural asset and a strong testimony to the place’s identity. The masterplan intends to redevelop and revalue these buildings, turning them into breeding grounds for social life.”

It must become a place where social relations happen.

“Sesto had an enormous factory. We woke up with the sirens of the factory because they used to ring for the workers of the city before the workhours. Even if I was a student, I woke up to go to school with these sirens. I remember that there were plenty of workers going to the factories from everywhere.”

“I remember the smoke in the air, the laundry hanged outside was frequently turning grey or red because of it.”

“People would help each other not only as coworkers, but as a family”

“From the end of the 1970s and beginning of the 1980s coworkers were perceived as family, during holidays and feast times, if you wouldn’t have relatives close to you, you were invited by other coworkers as if you were part of their family.”

What was your life like in Sesto San Giovanni?

San Giovanni nowadays

“La città è cambiata nei rapporti umani, il tessuto sociale, l’amicizia. Non è più questa città di solidarietà, di accoglienza.”

“The city has changed in human relationships, in the social fabric, in friendships. It is no longer a city of solidarity, of welcoming.”

“Non c’è più la sensazione di Sestità”

“There is not any more the Sesto like feeling (Sestità).”

“Spero che il nuovo progetto umanizzerà questo posto, mi auguro che torni viva come era al tempo.”

“I hope that the new project will humanize this place, I hope it will come back to life as it was back in the time.”

“Spero in un futuro all’altezza del passato.”

“I hope for a future that lives up to the past.”

“Deve diventare un luogo in cui si svolgono relazioni sociali”.

“It must become a place where social relations happen.”

“O ci abituiamo e ci adattiamo a questi cambiamenti, o ne rimarremo esclusi.”

“Either we get used to and adapt to these changes, or we will be excluded from them.”

Sesto

‘(...) the term had merged that desire for place with the desire for childhood – imagining that place could embody the past, and that the past could be lodged in particular places.’

nostalgia --> /continuity of identity /solidarity

what is missing?

‘

‘(...) a study of the city and its representations must by definition be a study of the rhetoric of loss and of the forms of remembering that shape the way we think about and in cities.’

Nostalgia for the industrial past, then, involve nostalgia for a previous time –both in terms of era when workers actually produced something and a time in one’s life when work was more secure and had meaning –as well as nostalgia for the physical spaces in which this work occurred and the symbolic meanings of place that people constructed there.’

‘Such is the city evoked in nostalgic reconstructions, in which the actual urban settlement is not anymore, but emerges like a phantom from the fogs of memory (..)’

‘(...) we acquire a truly urban identity at the moment we react to change by remembring a vanished city.’

Villaggio Falck –collective nostalgia?

Whatever choices we make, we will do some harm. At every turn there are possibilities to choose to do less and to accept the responsibility to repair the harm that we do. It is never too late or too early.

1. Preservation of local community or large development and urban growth.

What are (and what should be) the cities interest, responsiblities and goals for developments such as MilanoSesto?

How could the city support the existing social capital (and why should the city be interested in doing so)?

2. Political representation of potential future inhabitants and responsibilty to create new residential districts against conservation of small existing communities.

Is falck village enough alive and valuable to be conserved?

Is it possible to secure the local identity?

Is there a way to redevelope the area, but also preserve the existing communities?

Sources: interviews

Vita Nuda documentary by Rampello & Partners

Ricordiami per sempre, fotoromanzo by MUFOCO

Noi de Villaggio Falck group

Milano sparita e da ricordare MilanoSesto project website MilanoSesto Facebook page

How to: do no harm by CCA (https://www.cca.qc.ca/en/articles/87138/how-to-do-no-harm) Lombardia Beni Culturali falck.it https://www.pluriversi.it/passeggiata-a-sesto-san-giovanni/ https://www.milanotoday.it/zone/sesto-san-giovanni/degrado-villaggio-falck.html