Italian brutalism
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Italian brutalism is an architectural style that emerged in the 1950s. In contrast to Italian Modernism, with its lines that inspired dynamic visions of movement, Italian brutalist architecture is solid and blocky.
[edit] Defining characteristics
Italian brutalism uses concrete as one of its primary building materials. However, due to the Italian climate, some structures built in this style tend to look cleaner than their counterparts around the world.
One of the most common characteristics of Italian brutalist architecture is its ability to capture attention - whether it elicits a response of approval or disapproval. With dramatic angles and eye catching features, these structures are designed to stand apart from the surrounding environment rather than blend into it or enhance it.
Brutalism became a popular style throughout the 1960s as the austerity of the 1950s gave way to dynamism and self-confidence. It was commonly used for government projects, universities, car parks, leisure and shopping centres and high-rise blocks of flats.
[edit] Examples of Italian brutalism
- 1950: Pavilion for the flower and vegetable market, Pescia (Architect: Leonardo Savioli)
- 1957: Istituto Marchiondi, Milan (Architect: Vittoriano Viganò)
- 1958: Torre Velasca, Milan - protected as a historic structure in 2011 (Architect: BBPR)
- 1960-63: San Giovanni Battista, Campi Bisenzio (Plans by Giovanni Michelucci).
- 1963-65: Temple of Monte Grisa, Trieste (Architect: Antonio Guacci)
- 1968: Brion Cemetery, Venice (Architect: Carlo Scarpa).
- 1968: San Giovanni Bono Church, Milan (Architect: Arrigo Arrighetti)
- 1969-71: Galileo Galilei high school, Trieste
- 1969-82: il Quadrilatero residential housing complex, Trieste
- 1960s: Casa Sperimentale, Fregene (Architect: Giuseppe Perugini)
- 1968-80: Casa del Portuale, Naples (Architect: Aldo Loris Rossi)
- 1975: Le Vele di Scampia, Naples (Architect: Franz Di Salvo)
- 2010: Palace of culture of Messina, Messina (Engineers: Aldo D'Amore and Fabio Basile)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Download your free guide.
Four new types of prior approval for solar developments
Online Planning Portal application types from 5 September.
Election fails to spark construction industry revival
Contract awards and planning; post election.
Making diversity and inclusion easy for SMEs
The CIOB tool for companies with limited resources.
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
BSRIA Briefing 2024, initial speakers announced.
Looking back at the UK's first Passivhaus leisure centre
Reflections on St Sidwell’s Point with CIAT.
A-Level results and electrical apprenticeships
Electrical Skills Index highlights areas with skills shortages.
One of the world's more unusual drive-throughs.
A quick introduction.
Hadrian's Wall Path and the national trails
The trails are heritage assets in their own right.
Articles on timely advice and hydraulic lime.
Building Designers Association of Australia
CIAT and BDAA sign Memorandum of Understanding.
Built Environment Inclusive partners issue statement committed to inclusion.
Building regulation requirements can have unintended consequences.
CIOB announces 2024/25 vice president
Sustainability champion Professor Saul Humphrey.
Accelerating towards a net-zero built environment.