Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Ehsan Sheikholharam Mashhadi
Department
CACM – Architecture
Abstract
The idea of a revolution in architecture is prevalent in both Archigram and Italian Futurism. Although Archigram was a group of architects that formed after World War II and Italian Futurism was a movement that pushed Italy closer to fascism before World War I, both reveal how architecture can promote new ways of living and new ways of seeing the world. The fundamental ideas behind their values differ in how they approach sociopolitical issues that appear eclectic throughout time. On one hand, Italian Futurism pushed a new age of propaganda that celebrated industrial progress which introduced a new architectural language—one that ultimately never took flight. The Futurist movement rejected historical references in favor of a future defined by speed and emerging technologies. On the other hand, Archigram, a collective of six architects, envisioned a revolution in architecture that embraced technological innovation while responding to the cultural conditions of its time and emphasizing community engagement. This paper explores the relationship between Archigram and Italian Futurism through the lenses of phenomenology, sociopolitical context, and formalism still relevant today. It argues that although Archigram and Italian Futurism emerged in different contexts, both generated similar visions for a new architectural vernacular that integrates technology and community.
Two Visions of an Architectural Revolution: Archigram and Italian Futurism
The idea of a revolution in architecture is prevalent in both Archigram and Italian Futurism. Although Archigram was a group of architects that formed after World War II and Italian Futurism was a movement that pushed Italy closer to fascism before World War I, both reveal how architecture can promote new ways of living and new ways of seeing the world. The fundamental ideas behind their values differ in how they approach sociopolitical issues that appear eclectic throughout time. On one hand, Italian Futurism pushed a new age of propaganda that celebrated industrial progress which introduced a new architectural language—one that ultimately never took flight. The Futurist movement rejected historical references in favor of a future defined by speed and emerging technologies. On the other hand, Archigram, a collective of six architects, envisioned a revolution in architecture that embraced technological innovation while responding to the cultural conditions of its time and emphasizing community engagement. This paper explores the relationship between Archigram and Italian Futurism through the lenses of phenomenology, sociopolitical context, and formalism still relevant today. It argues that although Archigram and Italian Futurism emerged in different contexts, both generated similar visions for a new architectural vernacular that integrates technology and community.