Stefano Giovannoni on Playful Architecture and Narrative Design

In an interview with Artribune, architect and designer Stefano Giovannoni discusses the concept of "playful architecture" (architettura ludica), tracing its roots from postmodernism to contemporary digital tools. He argues that the playful vein, sporadic since the 1980s, now resurfaces in books celebrating "less is a bore" and in the work of daring designers. Giovannoni cites influences from toys like Lego and Meccano to imaginary architectures in literature (Proust's Grand Hotel de Balbec) and pop culture (Barbie's house, Batman's lair). He notes that 3D software has revolutionized design by shortening the distance between idea and visualization, enabling architects to think tridimensionally. Giovannoni references Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Bilbao, Dancing House, and Lou Ruvo Center as examples of fantastic architecture. He distinguishes his own work from "toy objects," preferring the term "narrative design" for objects inspired by figurative imagery, which he explores in a forthcoming book for 24 ORE Cultura. Giovannoni also highlights the role of the metaverse and AI tools like Midjourney in expanding playful architecture, citing a Saudi Vision 2030 competition where Prince Mohammed Bin Salman proposed a linear city inspired by video game architecture. The interview is part of a series on playful architecture, starting with Giovannoni, who founded Qeeboo in 2016 and has taught at Domus Academy, SPD Milano, and other institutions.