New book chronicles Olivetti's architecture magazine Zodiac (1957-1973)

A new book titled "Zodiac 1957-1973. Una storia italiana," edited by Aldo Aymonino and Federico Bilò and published by Ronzani Editore, examines the 22 issues of the architecture magazine Zodiac, published by Edizioni Comunità of Olivetti. The volume analyzes the magazine's role in documenting the rapid modernization of Italy from the economic boom to the 1973 oil crisis. Zodiac, founded by Adriano Olivetti and later continued by his son Roberto, promoted a vision of modern architecture as a tool for social improvement and community building, blending social democracy with capitalism. The magazine lacked a defined editorial line, serving instead as an evolving register of international architectural trends. It captured the transition from the masters of the Modern Movement to postmodern epigones. Zodiac ceased publication in 1973, coinciding with the energy crisis and the delegitimization of Olivetti's elitist approach after the 1968 protests. The book includes testimonies from Vittorio Gregotti and Paolo Portoghesi, who recognized the end of the Olivettian era of optimism. The 280-page volume costs €34.