The heteronomy of building technologies in the construction industry in Italy. Notes for a to-do list

Abstract

A pervasive self-referential technique has characterized architecture for some decades, affecting a minor part of architectural production. Celebrated by specialist publications, it has marginally impacted current and ordinary constructions that actually transform the landscape. Addressing the latter production, the essay attempts to define and argue the heteronomous nature of technological change in the national context as a prerequisite for orienting research and design towards the pursuit of a social role of technology, considered a response to the broadest and most widespread demand. This thesis is also underpinned by the discussion of emblematic cases in the history of the Italian construction sector during the post-war period. Finally, starting from a brief outline of the structural factors of change, we intend to provide some operational reflections to rethink the relationship between design and construction.