1. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Also known as ‘the city’s drawing room’
Jasmine renkin

2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Space
Neo- Classical shopping mall
4 levels
2 96 foot high glass-vaulted arcades
Designer
Architect: Giuseppe Mengoni
Date
Designed in 1861
Built between 1865 & 1877
Still standing presently
Location
Milan, Italy

3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Plan
Although a shopping mall, the structure was intended to represent spirituality. The Galleria’s 640 foot long north/south axis of the the cruciform plan (resembling the cross Jesus was crucified on) is supposed to connect the secular Piazza della Scalla on the North to the Piazza del Duomo on the South. There is a mosaic painted on the 164 foot dome that sits over the crossing; this is supposed to represent the union of church and state.
*Dome
*Cross representing crucifix

4. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria is known for its extraordinary size. This begins when you enter the Galleria through the corridor between Duomo and La Scala Theatre. The scale of the arch is immense compared to the sidewalk carrying cars and pedestrians near by.
The elevation of the glass dome located in the middle of the Galleria is also something that attracts the eye. This was an important step in the evolution of bringing something closed, closer the nature or its exterior.

5. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

6. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

7. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

8. I feel that this image of the Galleria clearly resembles principles and elements of design. There is a symmetrical balance all the way from the glass ceiling to the marble design on the floor. All areas in this center part of the Galleria are proportional to one another. When you look at this image, your eye tends to focus at the top of the structure and then follows the lines in the ceiling down towards the floor with rhythm and movement. The dome ceiling unifies the image and acts as a focal point and is emphasized. There is shape trailing from the lines on the glass dome, to the square and rectangular windows. The dome allows light to enter the building during the day, and the electrical powered light is reflected onto the marble floor. The colors of the walls natural and sit in contrast to the blue sky light. The floor’s design has a sense of pattern and the texture looks sleek and smooth. Lastly the dome has three dimensional form defining the space and creating harmony.

9. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
This building is a perfect example of how design can translate into something that means rebirth and renewal. In 1859 when Milan was freed from Austrian control, they wanted to start over. Milan’s immediate growth was evident except for the Piazza Duomo; a medieval cathedral that stood as a historic symbol for the city. This building didn't fit into the new renaissance. Instead of destructing it, Mengoni rebirthed it. He preserved the history of Milan by building off of something already existent. This type of historic preservation can, and has been, a lesson for interiors over time. This structure teaches that when creating something new, one must pay attention to the already existent ecosystem.

10. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II