City driven by Policy and Politics

It is clear the impact that policy and politics have on a society are profound, from setting the rules and regulations of behavior as well as settings of public space and places of interaction. This week’s reading and discussion reminds me of places that were essentially defined by the policy that was in place as well as the architecture that was guided by it. Como, Italy, but specifically EUR Rome, Italy are the places that came to mind. Although the architecture to these cities are quite beautiful and breathtaking, there is much more to it than just the appearance.

Como is famous for its Fascist architecture with the Casa del Fascio with the flat, white façade meant for the hanging of Mussolini’s portrait, as well as the large open space in front of the building for the gathering of people. There are also several pieces of architecture by Guiseppe Terragni, who was known for his involvement in the architecture of the Fascist regime.

As for the EUR in Rome, the entire city was designed and built for celebrating Fascism. A road acting as the central spine of the complex is flanked by buildings replicating the same architecture style of Italian Rationalism. The starkness and flatness of the building masses and the light-colored material of the facades add to the monumentality of the architecture.