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
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?