Fascism in a Rational Building

1036 Words5 Pages
Fascism in a Rational Building: LA CASA del FASCIO (1933-1935), Como, Italy Giuseppe Terragni(1904-1943) a believer in the ideas of fascism in the Inter-war period, was also a follower of the International Style and the Modernist school of thought, agreeing with the ideas of architects such as Le Corbusier, Gropius, and Mies van der Rohe. He became leader of the Gruppo 7, a group of young architects known as the “Italian Rationalists.” In many ways there is a common ground between fascism and modernism that connects the two movements, and that’s why an architect from Como would choose a rationalist building for the headquarters of the local Fascist Party. The structure and form of the Casa del Fascio can be seen as a formal expression of the rationalist movement, while the location and form defines a distinct relation between public and private. The building situated in the centre of the city, signifies the fascist presence at the heart of Como. The plan is a basic square that surrounds an inner rectangular atrium which becomes the most public space of the Casa del Fascio. Terragni sought to connect the Fascist regime to the myth and history of the Roman Empire through the formal influences of Classical and Renaissance architecture, a connection the Fascist Party in Italy was eager to link itself within the rich history of power, innovation and intellect of the periods. This is evident in the rectangular form that could be interpreted as a subtle classical influence injected into the structure. Another hint of renaissance Italy is the location of the building that displays the dual presence of civic and religious power, the Casa del Fascio and Duomo of Como both seem to ease but provoke one another by reflecting the urban history of the Italian city. The Fascist political intention of power and control is communicated literally through the glass doors
Open Document