La costruzione di specole per gli osservatori astronomici nel Novecento: le realizzazioni A. Bombelli

Many of the architectures of the first and second half of the 20th-century are characterized by technological innovations that modify the architectural lexicon, the appearance and functioning of the buildings and require a new organization of the design activity and the construction process. The evolution of observation instruments and the need to find places uncontaminated by urban light pollution led, during the 20th-century, to the construction of new astronomical observatories. The contribution presents, through the documentation of case studies and unpublished archival materials, some realizations of ‘A. Bombelli’, a metal construction company founded in Milan in 1889 and active, in the historic Lambrate site, since the 1920s. Throughout the years the company has specialized in the construction of the structures of astronomical domes, with different movement and opening systems, in perfect design and construction synergy with the needs of the astronomers. Between 1919 and 1963, A.Bombelli built about 14 domes in Italy, many of which are still preserved and functioning in the main observatories (among these: Brera, Merate, Capodimonte, Arcetri, Rome Monte Mario, Monte Porzio Catone, Campo Imperatore, Pino Torinese, Trieste, Castel Gandolfo). The study intends to investigate some constructive-technological aspects relevant also for the protection and enhancement of this special architectural heritage.