Italy's Lack of Demand for Architecture: A Critical Analysis

Francesco Orofino, Secretary General of IN/ARCH, argues that Italy's crisis in architecture stems from a lack of collective demand, not just political failures. The blocking of Labics' project for Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara exemplifies this. Orofino contrasts Italy with countries where society actively seeks architecture, citing Bruno Zevi and Giancarlo De Carlo. He calls for mobilizing the public to create demand, using the Ferrara case as a catalyst. The article criticizes Minister Bonisoli and Vittorio Sgarbi's campaign, and notes the absence of an Italian architecture law like France's. Orofino urges architects to engage the public rather than talk among themselves.