Palazzo del Lavoro, Modernist palace in Turin, Italy
Palazzo del Lavoro is a modernist palace built around sixteen steel umbrella-like structures supported by concrete columns that hold up the roof. Glass walls let natural light flood the interior, creating an open and bright space throughout.
The palace was built for Expo 61, an exhibition celebrating one hundred years since Italian unification. It stood as a symbol of the country's technological progress and economic strength after World War II.
The building showcases the collaboration between architect Gio Ponti and engineer Pier Luigi Nervi, who worked together to create a space that blends design vision with engineering innovation. Walking through it today, you see how both minds shaped every detail.
The palace sits in Turin's city center and is easy to reach by public transport or on foot. Since it has been closed since the 1970s, restoration work is ongoing, so check access conditions before visiting and be prepared for construction activity inside.
The roof consists of sixteen independent steel and concrete umbrella supports that require no internal columns to hold them up. This experimental approach meant the entire interior floor space stayed completely open and uncluttered.
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