In contrast to the first designs that located it near Porta Palazzo, the former Olympic Village of Turin is actually in the Southern part of the city, close to the rail shunting station and customs office. The wholesale fruit and vegetable market, designed by the architect Umberto Cuzzi from Istria, was inaugurated here on 28 October 1933.
Considered one of the finest examples of Rationalist architecture in Turin, and featured in the most important magazines of the time, the area on via Giordano Bruno features two symmetrical series of seven galleries in armoured cement with parabolic arches, lit by vertical storage areas, that mirror the internal central open space which leads to the main market entrance, dominated by the water tower. Along the perimeter of via Giordano Bruno, two-storey terraced buildings, placed symmetrically to the entrance, enclose the inner space. The internal areas are unusual for industrial architecture that is usually on a square layout: the delicate arches create an almost elegant space for the wholesale market offering a new appreciation for its specific function.
The complex was abandoned in 2001 and later restored, for use as part of the Olympic village for the Winter Olympics of 2006. Following this event, it is used for exhibitions and displays and is yet to be given a new purpose.
Film Commission Torino Piemonte
Via Cagliari 42 — 10153 Torino
Phone: +39 011 2379201
Fax: +39 011 2379298
Email: info@fctp.it
