Italian architects debate need for architecture law

A forum on Artribune gathers five Italian architects and critics to discuss the proposed Italian Law for Architecture. Amedeo Schiattarella argues previous attempts failed because the real issue is that Italian law treats design as a service, not intellectual work, and calls for a separate procurement code. Davide Tommaso Ferrando critiques the draft law's definition of architectural quality as performative and quantifiable, arguing it confuses quality with building standards and serves professional monopolies. Cherubino Gambardella lists concrete measures a law should include: prioritize safety, reuse, limit demolitions, simplify bureaucracy, mandate architect involvement, and ensure fair payment. Alberto Iacovoni addresses an open letter to Senator Renzo Piano, urging him to use his institutional role to rewrite building rules, emphasizing the need for mandatory architectural competitions and exclusive architect competence. Carlo Ratti references Bernard Rudofsky's "Architecture Without Architects" to argue for an "architecture with architects" that incorporates citizen participation and digital tools like BIM and open-source design. The debate highlights the tension between professional protection and broader societal needs.