Project and prototype: industrialized and prefabricated construction in Italy (1945-1980)

Abstract

This research (a synthesis of the studies conducted within the project “Industrial Construction in Italy 1960-1980”, coordinated by Sergio Poretti) provides a historical overview on industrialized and prefabricated construction in Italy in the second half of the 20th century. In terms of historiography, the study discloses the special characters of Italian experience compared with the industrialization process, accomplished in Europe. In terms of operational perspective, the research provides an useful tool to face the topic of conservation and rehabilitation of a wide architectural heritage to date still in use. Based on archival survey, the study sheds the lights on a neglected story. The research track a line between the post war debate, the traditionalist turn of the INA Casa plan, to the main actions of the public planning for housing and schools. However them were false starts. The process, reduced to anachronistic use of foreign building techniques, will last only few years, dilated over time by constant discussion about the results. Once were given up expectations of an overall reconversion of the building sector, prototypes, remain, presently, witnesses of the foresight that Italian experience demonstrated on the small scale industrial production.