Tales from a neighbourhood. Places, faces and memories of Bicocca

Curated by Giorgio Bigatti and Gianpaolo Nuvolati and edited by Scalpendi in November 2018 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the University of Milan-Bicocca, Raccontare un quartiere. Luoghi, volti e memorie della Bicocca (Tales of a neighbourhood. Places, faces and memories of Bicocca) is a fascinating journey to the historic neighbourhood that developed around the Pirelli factory in the 1900s. This multi-voiced narrative traces a historic and geographic route among Art Nouveau houses and futuristic post-industrial buildings, along avenues that once skirted roll mills and vulcanisers, and through institutions that house memories and others that foster knowledge. In the background rests a strong sense of belonging and a community that over the years has never wavered from offering integration and identity. The book is filled with stories by common people and images by leading photographers that draw our attention to the lives of blue-collar workers and visions of forward-looking architects. The Pirelli Foundation, keeper of the company's memories, takes a look at the Bicocca neighbourhood from an insider's perspective.