The construction of a steel skyscraper in Genoa. The Torre SIP by Bega, Gambacciani, and Viziano (1964-1969)

In 1964, the SIP Company entrusted Piero Gambacciani, Attilio Viziano, and Melchiorre Bega with the construction of the Torre SIP in Genoa, which was intended to serve as the regional company headquarters. Standing at a height of 105 m, the Torre SIP represents Italy’s first instance of a skyscraper entirely constructed with a prefabricated steel structure. This paper explores the tower’s history, spanning from its conceptualization to completion. This essay delves into the pioneering industrial methodology applied to produce and realize its steel structure, starting with an overview of the skyscraper’s contextual conditions and primary attributes. As a symbolic embodiment of progress in assembling prefabricated steel load-bearing structures, the tower stands out for the systematic and harmonious deployment of modern operational procedures. In the design of the Torre SIP, the designers distinguished themselves by adeptly leveraging the potential of productive rationalization. Their accomplishment lies in creating a formally refined architectural artifact that transcends mere seriality while retaining strong linguistic connotations. By avoiding slavish adherence to technological coordination and pointless stylistic embellishments, the designers manifest a distinctly contemporary urban intervention, echoing the intent to position the building as “the last of a series and the first of another series”.