Italian architects debate need for a national Architecture Law
A group of five architects from Italy is pushing for the establishment of a Legge per l'Architettura (Architecture Law). Maria Claudia Clemente and Francesco Isidori from Labics contend that existing regulations regard architectural design merely as a service, prioritizing cost-driven tenders over design contests and sidelining architects. Alfonso Femia reflects on a 1996 conference that drew inspiration from France's 1977 architecture law, pointing out Italy's absence of a definitive legislative framework. Margherita Guccione from MAXXI Architettura emphasizes key areas such as education, enhancing commissioning processes, and promoting design competitions for improved quality. Claudio Saverino of Vudafieri-Saverino Partners advocates for a law to foster cultural transformation, while Massimo Pierattelli stresses the importance of simplicity and uniformity in any new legislation. This article appeared in Artribune, organized by Valentina Silvestrini.
Key facts
- Italy lacks a specific law defining architecture as an intellectual work; it is currently classified as a service under public procurement codes.
- France's 1977 Law 77-2 on architecture is cited as a model, defining architecture as a cultural expression and public interest.
- Alfonso Femia organized a 1996 conference 'Francia 2013 – Italia 10' comparing French and Italian approaches to architecture competitions.
- Margherita Guccione of MAXXI Architettura led a series of meetings 'Verso una legge per l'architettura' from July to October 2018.
- Claudio Saverino references engineer Mario Salvadori's book 'Why Buildings Stand Up' to describe the complementary roles of architects and engineers.
- Massimo Pierattelli criticizes the overlapping jurisdictions of Soprintendenza, Commissione per il Paesaggio, and municipal building commissions in Florence.
- The article was published on Artribune and coordinated by Valentina Silvestrini.
- The debate centers on whether a new law should be a radical break or an additional regulation.
Entities
Artists
- Maria Claudia Clemente
- Francesco Isidori
- Alfonso Femia
- Margherita Guccione
- Claudio Saverino
- Massimo Pierattelli
- Valentina Silvestrini
- Mario Salvadori
Institutions
- Labics
- Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia
- MAXXI Architettura
- Fondazione MAXXI
- Vudafieri-Saverino Partners
- Pierattelli Architetture
- Artribune
- Artribune Magazine
- Soprintendenza
- Commissione per il Paesaggio
Locations
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- Rome
- Florence
- Scandicci
- Milan
- Gonesse
- Paris