Marco Biraghi's 'L'architetto come intellettuale' Challenges Architecture's Role
In his book 'L'architetto come intellettuale' (Einaudi, 2019), Marco Biraghi examines the evolving role of architects in society. He contends that while architecture once influenced urban ideals, it now primarily caters to capital, exemplified by figures such as Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry. Biraghi advocates for a revival of critical thought regarding the built environment, pointing out a resurgence among young architects in radical ideologies from the 1960s and 70s, including operaismo and Superstudio. The magazine San Rocco, under Matteo Ghidoni's direction, prioritizes theoretical critique. Biraghi connects Pier Vittorio Aureli's Dogma with Manfredo Tafuri's notion of critical distance, emphasizing autonomy as a means of political engagement while recognizing the absence of viable alternatives to capitalism and the issue of individual freedom under surveillance.
Key facts
- Marco Biraghi published 'L'architetto come intellettuale' with Einaudi in 2019.
- The book argues architects have lost their role as intellectuals, becoming stylists for capital.
- Biraghi cites situationist urban drifts, John Hejduk, Peter Eisenman, and Giancarlo De Carlo as past visionary examples.
- He criticizes Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, and Frank Gehry as 'archistar' serving capital.
- Young architects are rediscovering radical 1960s-70s thought, including operaismo and groups like Superstudio and Archizoom.
- The magazine San Rocco, directed by Matteo Ghidoni, promotes theoretical critique over architectural image.
- Pier Vittorio Aureli's Dogma and its Stop City project embody critical distance, referencing Manfredo Tafuri.
- Biraghi links autonomy to Mario Tronti's concept of refusal as political contestation.
- The book identifies individual freedom under surveillance as today's critical frontier.
- Biraghi admits a lack of clear political alternative to capitalism.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Biraghi
- John Hejduk
- Peter Eisenman
- Giancarlo De Carlo
- Zaha Hadid
- Daniel Libeskind
- Frank Gehry
- Matteo Ghidoni
- Gianfranco Bombaci
- Matteo Costanzo
- Vittorio Pizzigoni
- Pierpaolo Tamburelli
- Pier Vittorio Aureli
- Manfredo Tafuri
- Mario Tronti
- Friedrich Hölderlin
- Antonio Gramsci
Institutions
- Einaudi
- Superstudio
- Archizoom
- San Rocco
- 2A+P
- baukuh
- Dogma
- Casabella
- Artribune
- La Repubblica Bari
- Design Plaza
- Casamiadecor
- Abitare.it
- FlashArt
- Domus
Locations
- Torino
- Italy