Futurism

Futurism - architectural style definition

Description:

Futurism is an artistic and literary movement that originated in Italy at the end of the 19th century and developed into the 20th century. Its leader was Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, who published the Futurist manifesto in 1909. Futurism was a reaction against traditional forms of art and literature and a combination of modernity and technology with art.

In architecture, Futurism manifested itself through the use of new materials and technologies and by experimenting with the forms and shapes of buildings. Futurists wanted to create a new and better world by applying modern technological solutions to architecture.

 

The main features of the Futurist architectural style

The use of new materials: Futurists wanted to use materials such as concrete, glass and steel, which were new at the time. The aim was to create buildings that were light, strong and durable.

Experimenting with forms: The Futurists wanted to create new, previously unknown architectural forms that reflected modernity and progress. They often used irregular, asymmetrical shapes and open spaces.

Use of technology: Futurists wanted to use modern technology such as lifts, air conditioning and electric lighting to create comfortable and modern buildings.

Departure from tradition: Futurists wanted to move away from traditional architectural forms and create something completely new and original. They often referred to motifs related to aviation, automobiles or industry.

Futurism is an architectural style that originated in the first half of the 20th century in Italy. It was part of a wider artistic movement known as Futurism, which promoted modernity, speed, technology and dynamism. Its main aim was to express enthusiasm for the future and the new possibilities that developments in science and technology brought.

 

Precursors

Antonio Sant'Elia: Italian architect, considered one of the main precursors of Futurism in architecture. His designs, such as the 'New City for 3 million people' (Città Nuova per 3 milioni di abitanti), imagined modern, dynamic cities with skyscrapers, flyovers and wide thoroughfares.

Filippo Tommaso Marinetti: Founder of the Futurist movement, who played an important role in promoting a Futurist aesthetic in architecture. His manifestos included visions of architecture based on speed, technology and revolutionary ideas.

 

Most popular buildings

Another famous Futurist building is the Georges Pompidou Centre in Paris, built between 1971 and 1977. The building was designed by architects Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano and is famous for its unusual futuristic form, which leaves all the technical installations outside the building, making it look like a giant machine. Inside, the building houses a museum of modern art, a library, a theatre and other cultural institutions.

Casa del Fascio (Fascist House) in Como, Italy: Designed by Giuseppe Terragni in 1932, this building is considered one of the most important achievements of Futurist architecture. It is characterised by its geometric form, flat facades, large number of windows and use of modern materials such as steel and glass.

Palazzo del Littorio in Rome, Italy: This was the headquarters of the National Fascist Party designed by Marcello Piacentini in 1934. The building was intended to symbolise the power and modernity of the Fascist regime. It had a monumental façade with large columns, reliefs and sculptures.

Olympic Stadium in Rome, Italy: Designed by Enrico Del Debbio and Annibale Vitellozzi, this stadium, built for the 1960 Summer Olympics, represents a futuristic aesthetic. Its circular form, few ornamental details and modern structural solutions exemplified futuristic sports architecture.

La Fenice Little Theatre in Venice, Italy: Designed by futurist architect Guido Marangoni in 1936, this theatre exemplifies the futurist approach to interior design. It is characterised by modern lighting, unusual forms of scenery and dynamic lines.

It is worth noting that Futurism in architecture was not as widespread as in other arts, such as painting or literature. Nevertheless, it left a lasting impact on the development of modern architecture and continued in subsequent trends such as modernism and brutalism.

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