Neorealist Architecture: Aesthetics of Dwelling in Postwar Italy

This book explores the links between architecture, filmmaking, and the built environment in postwar Italy, examining how neorealism manifested itself in architecture. It is the first book to be published on neorealism in architecture and is illustrated with over 100 black and white archival images. It appeals to scholars, professionals, and students interested in history and theory of architecture, Italian studies, art history, and cultural studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

After World War II, a surge of Italian films emerged that vividly portrayed the lives and struggles of individuals left vulnerable by the conflict, bringing to the screen the profound existential angst and uncertainty of a time. This form of filmmaking, closely linked to the broader artistic movement of neorealism, became a pivotal moment in the history of Italian cinema. However, neorealism extended beyond the realm of film and permeated various artistic domains, including architecture. What exactly was neorealist architecture? This book delves into the intricate connections between architecture, filmmaking, and the built environment in post-war Italy (194X-195X) to investigate whether and how neorealism manifested itself in architectural design. During these years, terms such as "neorealist architecture" or "architectural neorealism" were occasionally hinted at and later recalled by historians of architecture. Consequently, the concept of neorealist architecture was adopted ad hoc and popularized post hoc, without any explicit declarations prior to 1955 that defined its essence or aspirations. Despite its widespread internalization within Italian architectural history, the full understanding of the transfer between neorealism, as an aesthetic and ethical principle, and architecture, as a potential medium for its embodiment or expression, remains incomplete. Thus, the primary objective of this book is to conduct a comprehensive exploration of the concept of neorealist architecture, with the underlying assumption that the relationship between these two terms holds significance.

The book is adorned with over 100 meticulously curated black-and-white archival images, enhancing its visual appeal and providing a rich historical context. Moreover, it stands as the first comprehensive publication dedicated to this topic, offering a valuable contribution to the field of architectural studies.

In conclusion, this book offers a captivating journey into the intertwined realms of architecture, filmmaking, and the post-war Italian landscape. Through its in-depth analysis and rich visual content, it sheds light on the transformative impact of neorealism on architectural design and provides a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between art, culture, and the built environment.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032235042