L’edilizia residenziale pubblica del Novecento alla prova del tempo. La sfida della conservazione di un Patrimonio vivo attraverso il caso di Milano

The public housing stock built in Italy during the 20th century, from the 1930s through the post-war reconstruction and economic boom, has shaped urban expansion and often remains the only recognizable framework within other-wise unplanned contexts. Despite their architectural value, innovative housing solutions, and experimental materi-als, these estates are rarely conserved, even though many are now theoretically subject to heritage protection. Cur-rent management practices are primarily oriented toward ensuring functionality, safety, and compliance with seis-mic and energy regulations. This paper reflects on the tension between conservation and transformation, considering public housing as a ‘living heritage’. Starting from case studies in Milan, managed by the municipal company MMS.p.A., it proposes a methodology of study and documentation aimed at balancing the preservation of architectural identity with the necessary upgrading of housing to contemporary standards.