The architect as nomothete: Luigi Snozzi at Monte Carasso

Abstract

This article discusses how the work of Luigi Snozzi in the village of Monte Carasso in Switzerland is relevant for the investigation of the relationship between rules and architectural form. It describes the work of Snozzi both as a nomothete and as a designer across thirty years, arguing that the impact of his code and that of harchitectural designs on the village are not separable. While Snozzi’s code for Monte Carasso, as reported in various publications and talks, builds on a series of indeterminacies that can potentially undermine its effectiveness, the architect’s own designs, such as the Guidotti House, act as models for the interpretation of the normative reach of the code. This article traces the indeterminacy of Snozzi's code, building on concepts borrowed from social ontology and philosophy of law, to describe how rules can contribute, in this case study, to determine architectural quality. In particular, the article questions the nature of the norms enacted in Monte Carasso to suggest that the unmediated application of building codes can lead to unfavourable architectural outcomes. It argues that, when considered as normative models, architectural projects can facilitate a more effective application of the ideas underlying the normative scope of architectural regulations.