La Galleria Umberto I/ Architecture Channels

Summary

The Galleria Umberto I in Naples, built between 1887-1891, symbolizes the transition from old to modern Naples. Designed by architect Rocco, it combines luxury, functionality, and innovation, with its steel and glass dome becoming a monumental achievement in 19th-century architecture. Though inspired by Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, its positioning was hindered by the preservation of old buildings. The Galleria's ambitious residential and commercial vision ultimately faltered due to unsold apartments and economic challenges. Despite its financial struggles, the Galleria remains a beloved public space, bridging the past and modern Naples, illustrating the challenges of balancing public and private interests.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Galleria Umberto Primo in Naples was built between 1887 and 1891 and designed by architect Emmanuel Rocco.
• 😀 The Galleria represents a fusion of modernity and tradition, embodying both monumental and modern architectural design.
• 😀 The Galleria's cross-shaped design was inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, celebrating Italian unification.
• 😀 The structure was built to symbolize economic growth and progress, and it included luxury apartments, shops, and public spaces.
• 😀 The Galleria's location faced challenges, as it had to adapt to the presence of historic buildings and churches, which disrupted its symmetry.
• 😀 The dome of the Galleria reaches 56 meters, making it the highest covered arcade in Europe at the time.
• 😀 The Galleria features an innovative canopy, but the technique used to fix it was outdated, leading to technical difficulties and financial strain.
• 😀 The design of the Galleria aimed to blend public space with private luxury, yet the residential areas struggled with poor sales and ultimately failed financially.
• 😀 The Galleria was intended to be a microcosm of modern life, where people could live, work, and socialize, but the ambitious vision was not fully realized.
• 😀 While the Galleria's residential buildings faced challenges, the public arcade became a cherished gathering place for the people of Naples, embodying the city's history and modernization.
• 😀 Despite its financial and architectural shortcomings, the Galleria Umberto Primo remains an iconic part of Naples, symbolizing the tension between public and private urban development.

Q & A

What was the Galleria Umberto Primo originally designed to represent?

The Galleria Umberto Primo was designed to be both a monumental and modern space, showcasing a steel and glass dome that marked a break from the old city of Naples. It served as a public arcade, a space for pedestrians, and a monument to industry and progress.

Why was the construction of the Galleria Umberto necessary for Naples in the 19th century?

The construction of the Galleria Umberto was part of a broader effort to modernize Naples, which had been suffering from unhealthy conditions and epidemics, such as the 1884 Cola epidemic. It was an opportunity for the bourgeoisie to leave their mark on the city with modern architecture.

How did the Galleria Umberto relate to the previous arcades built in Paris?

The Galleria Umberto was inspired by the arcades built in Paris in the early 19th century. While the Parisian arcades were modest, the Galleria Umberto aimed to be a more monumental version, incorporating luxury shops, restaurants, theaters, offices, and apartments.

What was the challenge faced in positioning the Galleria Umberto within the existing city landscape?

The Galleria's position was influenced by the need to preserve old structures, such as the San Fernando and San Brigita churches, as well as former palaces. This led to an uneven positioning of the Galleria, confusing its overall image and layout.

What architectural feature of the Galleria Umberto signifies its public nature?

The Galleria Umberto has monumental gateways in the shape of Roman triumphal arches, signifying exceptional public areas. These arches frame views of the old city, creating a ceremonial urban space.

Why is the Galleria Umberto’s façade considered problematic?

The façade of the Galleria Umberto is considered problematic because it lacks the necessary space in front of it for proper admiration. The space is cramped due to the proximity of the San Carlo Theater, and its intended symmetrical design is disrupted by the surrounding old city structures.

How did the design of the Galleria Umberto celebrate modernity in Italy?

The Galleria’s symmetrical layout, marble floors, and modern steel and glass dome celebrated the unity and modernity of a newly unified Italy. Its design rejected the picturesque nature of the old city in favor of a clean, organized, and industrial aesthetic.

What issue arose from the Galleria Umberto’s roof and canopy?

The roof and canopy of the Galleria Umberto became a source of contention. The canopy was seen as an independent element from the building’s structure and caused disputes between the private developers and the city council regarding maintenance and leaks.

What economic challenges did the developers of the Galleria Umberto face?

The developers of the Galleria Umberto faced economic challenges, including unsold apartments and the failure of the residential project to meet market demands. The project ultimately led to the bankruptcy of the developers, as many apartments were converted into offices and workshops instead of luxury residences.

What is the significance of the underground space beneath the Galleria Umberto?

The underground space beneath the Galleria Umberto was originally planned as a leisure and nightlife area with restaurants, cafes, and theaters. However, it eventually became underused and is now partially abandoned, symbolizing the project's failure to replicate its upper-level grandeur below.