Giovanni Oggioni, the former director of the municipal building office and vice president of the landscape commission, has taken the stand in a trial concerning alleged construction violations related to the Torre Milano project on Via Stresa. Oggioni, along with seven others including entrepreneurs, technicians, and city officials, is facing charges of illegal construction and land subdivision. This ongoing legal battle has him defending the urban planning decisions made in recent years, asserting that there has been a focus on meticulous urban development despite the controversies surrounding tall buildings in Milan.

During the court proceedings, which lasted about two hours, Oggioni engaged in a back-and-forth with prosecutor Marina Petruzzella, showcasing a blend of defensive rhetoric and sarcastic remarks. He questioned the public's aversion to tall structures, claiming that there seems to be an irrational fear of towers while defending the merits of the urban planning initiatives that have been implemented. His comments reflect ongoing debates in Milan regarding urban development and the tension between progress and community sentiment.

As the case unfolds, it not only examines the specific allegations against Oggioni and his co-defendants but also taps into larger discussions about urban planning in Milan. With a 24-story tower in question, this trial will likely impact future urban projects in the city, as public opinion continues to weigh heavily on governance and urban architectural decisions. Oggioni's defense of modern urbanism faces significant scrutiny amid these evolving dynamics.