Open Talks: Lecture Alejandro Aravena

Pure volumes, minimal or non-existent decoration, primacy of functionality, harnessing new materials: from the Casa del Fascio in Como to the railway station in Florence, the story of an experimental period that, after almost a century and several attempts at damnatio memoriae, remains a tangible presence in Italy.

Not just fun places, but true places of social focus, where individuals gather, create bonds and build trust

Discussions ranged from the role of cultural policies and training, the appearance of new publics and emerging practices, all the way to innovative networks between territories and design. This is an account of the day’s work on Thursday 25 September, as part of the research project promoted by the Salone del Mobile and the Politecnico di Milano