Adolfo Natalini on Drawing, Memory, and Architecture of Resistance
In a conversation with Artribune, architect Adolfo Natalini reflects on his journey from the groundbreaking Superstudio era (1966-78) to his work in 'a-modern architecture' alongside Fabrizio Natalini since 1991. Notable projects he mentions include the Monumental Cemetery of Antella (initiated in 1966, resumed in 1998, and nearly finished by 2009), the historic center of Groningen (secured through a competition with 83.6% approval), the University Center at Porta Tufi in Siena (1995-2000), and the expansion of the Museo dell'Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore (2001-2015, in collaboration with Guicciardini&Magni). He expresses disappointment over Florence's revival of Richard Rogers' 1986 project as a missed chance and reflects on his drawing practice since 1954, while also mourning the treatment of his late colleague Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, who passed away in 2019.
Key facts
- Adolfo Natalini transitioned from Superstudio (1966-78) to critical regionalism (1978-91) and then to 'a-modern architecture' since 1991.
- He identifies four key projects: Monumental Cemetery of Antella (1966-2009), Groningen historic center reconstruction, University Center at Porta Tufi in Siena (1995-2000), and Museo dell'Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore expansion (2001-2015).
- The Groningen project was won via international competition and a popular referendum with 83.6% approval.
- The Museo dell'Opera expansion recently added the Baptistery's South Door.
- Natalini criticizes Florence's attempt to revive Richard Rogers' 1986 Arno project as a 'lost opportunity'.
- He has drawn daily since 1954, describing it as essential to his design process.
- He criticizes digital representation for creating seductive but homogenizing images.
- Cristiano Toraldo di Francia died in 2019; Natalini says Florence was ungrateful to its best sons.
Entities
Artists
- Adolfo Natalini
- Fabrizio Natalini
- Hans Ibelings
- Richard Rogers
- Cristiano Toraldo di Francia
- Ghiberti
- Guicciardini&Magni
Institutions
- Superstudio
- Natalini Architetti
- Museo Novecento Firenze
- Museo dell'Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore
- Artribune
- Corriere Fiorentino
Locations
- Frankfurt am Main
- Germany
- Alzate Brianza
- Italy
- Olanda
- Netherlands
- Antella
- Groningen
- Siena
- Porta Tufi
- Firenze
- Florence
- Arno
- Marche