The Aesthetics of Politics and the Legacy of Space: Statesmanship; Expositions and Architecture in Ante-Inter-Post Bellum Italy

The complex political development within the cultural and socio-political landscape of 20th-century Italy created multiple directions in the architecture and craft sector, each style reflecting the prevailing political ideologies and showing the tangible legacy of statesmanship. The use of the rules of aesthetics in the period from 1900 to 1960, especially in the fascist period, left an indelible mark on Italy’s spatial heritage.

This project highlights the enduring integration of this cultural-political heritage within Italian society, focusing on the impact of political ideologies and aesthetics in shaping exhibition spaces for artisanal and industrial goods. The study employs on-site and archival analysis in
Venice, connecting exhibition spaces and narratives of authenticity, power and national identity. It gives a nod to architects including Carlo Scarpa and Josef Hoffmann.

An interactive and physical presentation using augmented reality intends to convey the results of the research, making them tangible.