Designing for Diplomacy: U.S. Consulate General Milan, Italy
Channel: Spirit of Space
Date: 13/07/2023

The landmark National Firing Range site is a testament to Milanese social and cultural history. The U.S. government acquired the property in 2009, with plans for a new office on the site. The firing range has become a symbol of diplomatic exchange between the United States and Italy over the past decade. Advocates for the buildings and landscape of the 1900s shooting sports club, along with inspiration from the site itself, shaped the approach to design. The OBO Office of Cultural Heritage created a documentary film that takes an in-depth look at this transformation.

The film begins by showcasing the National Firing Range in its inaugural season in 1905. During the early decades of the twentieth century, the grounds hosted national and international sporting competitions, including the Giro di Italia bike race. While patterns of use changed in the late twentieth century, the site’s proportions continued to define the architectural landscape.

The film then focuses on the unique features of the historic property, such as the Liberty Building, Shooting Canopy, Bullet Blocker, and parade grounds. The Shooting Canopy is a wooden structure adorned with floral decorations, and it is the only one of its kind in Milan. Italian and American government officials, conservators, and architects who understand the significance of these remnants of the National Firing Range provide interpretations. Personal accounts from individuals connected to the National Firing Range also contribute to the film, offering insights into the site’s history. Through these interviews, aesthetics, experience, and identity are interwoven, providing an insider’s perspective on the design.

The aim of the documentary film is to preserve and document the rich history and cultural significance of the National Firing Range site, showcasing its adaptive reuse for the new U.S. Consulate in Milan.