Francesco Muzzi, THE VERTICAL CITY

The rising city. Francesco Muzzi described the verticality of Milan, choosing the elements described by Bonvesin, which, as early as the 13th century, characterised the city and which contained in nuce the developments of the modern city, of skyscrapers and archistars. The more than two hundred bells and one hundred and twenty belfries «built in the manner of towers», the approximately two hundred churches, the one hundred and fifty villas with castles, the main and secondary gates which «are ten in number, are called “pusterle” and all have, as can be seen, the admirable foundation, on all sides, of an admirable wall. Each of the main gates has two towers, but not finished, whose very solid bases also rest on a very solid foundation». 

The verticality of the city was described by Muzzi’s installation, which had inserted, one by one, the elements of each category. Bonvesin was always present, in each of the totems, immersed in writing. He was counting, taking notes, watching the city grow.