Il concorso della nuova Palazzata di Messina: dal progetto ideale al degrado attuale

Messina’s history is marked by severe destructions that have compromised its urban legibility. Modern architectural language appears in the city after the First World War through the competition for the Nuova Palazzata that will be won by the Sicilian architects and engineers: Autore, Leone, Samonà and Viola. However, the winner project will never be realized and further changes will be made after the Second World War. Almost 100 years after the famous contest, little remains of the original idea. Urban plans conceived in the 80’s, not really careful and respectful of history, inappropriate harbor works and the recent construction of the tramway, have definitely lowered this important part of the city which buildings are today in a very serious state of deterioration. This paper aims, therefore, at highlighting the main stages of design evolution and realization of this important example of modern architecture, proposing a reflection about its future.