Five Solutions to Save 20th-Century Architecture: The Case of Palazzina Federici in Rome

A lecture-conversation at MAXXI in Rome examined the architectural firm Monaco Luccichenti, focusing on their early work from 1930s training to 1937 Villa Petacci. The talk highlighted color's role in their designs, leading to broader reflections on preserving modern architecture. The Palazzina Federici (1951-1954) in Rome, designed by Vincenzo Monaco and Amedeo Luccichenti with structural contributions from Riccardo Morandi and artist Pietro Consagra, exemplifies lost original chromatic choices. The building has undergone four repaintings—from beige to intense yellow—deviating from the original white facade with light violet parapets and light yellow floors. Interior stairwell walls were covered with quartz plaster, and original iron fixtures replaced with aluminum. The article proposes five solutions: catalog works by author and building; create building sheets with key data (year, structure, materials, colors); include these in Rome's PRG Quality Charter; impose prescriptive constraints to limit subjective restoration; and educate owners that their property is a cultural asset. Universities could aid cataloging through restoration and architecture history courses, acting as independent third parties. The Palazzina Federici remains outside the Quality Charter, highlighting systemic gaps in protecting 20th-century architecture.