THE DESCRIPTION OF OUR WORK

The choice of the theme Canals and Mills in the European area between the XIX and XX century is related to the study of our territory and, consequently, to the observation of the many mills that stand on it and to their historical, economic and social importance in the last two centuries.

We have approached the theme by visiting the place, gathering data from some experts and owners, by operative analysis carried out by professional people, by meeting university teachers and experts of Italia Nostra. This association, thanks to the interest of the regional president, prof. Emma Perfetti Corselli, and of the arch. Marina Ferrano, provided us with useful information about the locations of the mills and books to consult. Interesting was the visit to the Park of Monza, guided by prof. Pompeo Casati.

Further knowledge has been gathered from Ethnological Museum of Monza and Brianza, thanks to the vice-president, Mrs Silvana Giacovelli and arch. Rachele Riva, excellent guide during the visit of Colombo Mill in Monza.

Besides considerable support has been offered by two young architects, Gaia Mariani and Luca Elerdini, for Resica Mill in Verano Brianza; their plan to transform the mill into a thematic library deserves a remarkable mention.

Then we continue the research in a “virtual” way, by considering the Mills and the Canals located outside the Italian territory, using the Internet, reading books and receiving information from foreign associations concerning these structures, namely the Arkwright Society and Windmill Society De Vereniging De Zaansche Molen for the information regarding materials andsitography, respectively in English and in Dutch.

The comparison between the Italian buildings and the foreign ones allows us to know the different use and the transformations the mills have undergone.

The result of these various experiences is the work realized by the students of section C of the Scientific Lycée “Federigo Enriques” in Lissone (Milano), guided by their teachers, here presented.