Giorgio Grassi: The Logical Architect Who Built by Subtraction
The article examines Giorgio Grassi's architectural theory and practice, focusing on his 1967 book 'La costruzione logica dell'architettura' which applied Wittgenstein's Tractatus to architecture. Grassi argued against formalism and the star system, advocating for an architecture based on historical models rather than novelty. His method of 'building by subtraction' involved eliminating decorative elements and using a 'dead language' inspired by Adolf Loos. Grassi's approach is seen most effectively in his restoration projects, such as the Teatro di Sagunto, where he reconstructed only essential parts to reveal the original form. The article notes the philosophical inconsistencies in his theory but highlights the enduring fascination of his austere, spectral buildings.
Key facts
- Giorgio Grassi published 'La costruzione logica dell'architettura' in 1967.
- The book used Wittgenstein's Tractatus logico-philosophicus as a foundation for analytical architecture.
- Grassi criticized formalism and the star system in architecture.
- He advocated for using historical models rather than inventing new styles.
- Grassi's method was 'building by subtraction', eliminating ornament and facades.
- He was influenced by Adolf Loos's idea that an architect is a mason who speaks Latin.
- Grassi's restoration of the Teatro di Sagunto caused controversy with heritage authorities.
- The article is part of the 'Architetti d'Italia' series on Artribune.
- The author is Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi.
- Grassi studied under Ernesto Nathan Rogers at Politecnico di Milano.
Entities
Artists
- Giorgio Grassi
- Ludwig Wittgenstein
- Margaret Wittgenstein
- Jacques Derrida
- Peter Eisenman
- Michael Graves
- Paolo Portoghesi
- Adolf Loos
- Ludwig Hilberseimer
- Jacobus Johannes Pieter Oud
- Henrich Tessenow
- Gio Ponti
- Ernesto Nathan Rogers
- Vittorio Gregotti
- Aldo Rossi
- Vittorio Sgarbi
- Settis
- Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi
Institutions
- Politecnico di Milano
- Casabella
- Marsilio
- Artribune
- Associazione Italiana di Architettura e Critica
- Compasses
- presS/Tletter
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria
- Kundmanngasse
- Parkgasse
- Italy
- Sagunto
- Spain