Prato as a Living Organism: Urban Theory and Practice
Andrea Branzi pinpointed Prato as the birthplace of the continuous, homogeneous city, which embodies the No-Stop city idea. This urban environment is both historical and forward-thinking, marked by ongoing self-redesign and perpetual dynamism. Prato consists of molecular spaces that resemble a city within a city, promoting intangible connections and embracing a variety of residents. Modern urban practices are challenging conventional development by integrating Nature as a new urban component (Emanuele Coccia, 2019) and utilizing entropy as a strategic concept, as highlighted by Malaparte in 'Maledetti Toscani'. The city's topology is both discrete and indeterminate, generating new patterns that engage with its historical framework. This aligns with Bruno Latour's 2020 observations on Gaia, underscoring the necessity for adaptable models for sustainable living. Text by Elisa Cristiana Cattaneo, curated by Emilia Giorgi.
Key facts
- Andrea Branzi identified Prato as origin of the continuous city.
- Prato is described as both genesis and expression of No-Stop city.
- City's urban space is historical, visionary, theoretical, hyper-real.
- Prato has a split epigenesis with cyclical self-redesign.
- Current urban operations include subtractive graft with Nature as new 'living' (Coccia, 2019).
- Entropy is a strategic principle through economy of reuse and waste (Malaparte).
- Macrolotti spaces are undergoing forestation.
- Bruno Latour's 2020 statement on Gaia is referenced.
Entities
Artists
- Andrea Branzi
- Emanuele Coccia
- Malaparte
- Bruno Latour
- Elisa Cristiana Cattaneo
- Emilia Giorgi
Institutions
- MIT
- Harvard Graduate School of Design
- Artribune
Locations
- Prato
- Italy