Radical Design (Design Radicale) was an Italian architecture and design movement that emerged in 1966 with the Superarchitettura manifesto and exhibition in Pistoia.[1][2] It largely concluded around 1972 with the Italy: The New Domestic Landscape exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The movement developed from an architectural tradition centered in Florence, with roots in the work of students under Professor Leonardo Savioli at the University of Florence's Faculty of Architecture. These students advocated for a departure from past design conventions and proposed new ways of living, representing a break from the austerity of post-war Italy.
The movement gave voice to a new generation of architects who aimed to critique traditional planning methods and question the future of cities. They adopted a speculative approach to architecture and the envisionment of future urban environments. Designers and architects involved in the movement began publishing anti-design manifestos and formed design studios, where they created playful objects with strong visual impact and socio-political undertones, transforming the Italian design industry of the 1960s.
Radical Design's products are characterized by their quirky, ironic, and colorful nature, utilizing diverse materials and unique shapes. This approach was a direct response to the prevalent consumerism and minimalist aesthetic of the mid-1960s, which favored simple, mass-produced items. The movement sought to challenge these established beauty standards, and was a precursor to the Memphis Group.
Key figures and groups associated with Radical Design include Archizoom, Superstudio, Studio 65, Ettore Sottsass Jr., Gaetano Pesce, and Alessandro Mendini. Companies like Poltronova played a significant role in making the ideas of Radical Design tangible, producing notable works such as the Ultrafragola mirror, Superonda bench, Joe chair, and Sofo chair. The movement also influenced interior design for spaces like discotheques, with examples like the Bocca (or "Lipstick") sofa.
While sometimes confused with Anti-Design, due in part to Ettore Sottsass Jr.'s involvement in both, Radical Design was more politically motivated and focused on urban architecture, innovation, and environmental concerns. Although relatively short-lived, with groups like Superstudio disbanding by 1978 and Archizoom closing in 1974, the influence of Radical Design has continued. Its architectural speculations remain relevant, particularly concerning issues of globalization and environmental sustainability as cities evolve. The movement has impacted contemporary design trends such as Critical Design, Social Design, and Participatory Design. Its aesthetics have also been seen in fashion collections from houses like Christian Dior, Missoni, and Saint Laurent.
History[]
Radical Design formally began in 1966 with the "Superarchitettura" manifesto and exhibition in Pistoia, Italy. This marked a deliberate departure from established design norms, emerging from students under Professor Leonardo Savioli at the University of Florence's Faculty of Architecture. Their work sought new ways of living, representing a break from Italy's post-war austerity.
During this period, the movement's proponents, known as the Radicals, started publishing anti-design manifestos and formed design studios. Within six years, dozens of these studios and independent designers, including Archizoom, Superstudio, and Studio 65, produced influential architecture, furnishings, and products. These creations combined the ethos of Pop Art with mass production systems, fusing youth culture, consumer culture, and rebellion.
A key partnership formed when Poltronova, a Florentine luxury furniture brand, recruited leading figures of the movement, such as Ettore Sottsass, Gae Aulenti, and Paolo Portoghesi. After Sergio Cammilli, Poltronova's owner, and Ettore Sottsass attended the "Superarchitettura" event, they invited Archizoom and Superstudio to collaborate. Poltronova then produced notable Radical Design pieces like the Ultrafragola mirror, Superonda bench, Joe chair, and Sofo chair, making the movement's concepts tangible.
The movement also significantly impacted interior design, particularly for discotheques. Examples include the "Bocca" (Lipstick) sofa, which was featured at the Playboy club in New York, and the "Puffo" stool by Pietro Derossi, Giorgio, Ceretti, and Riccardo Rosso. Radical designers extended their creativity to performance sets, integrating fashion, photography, lighting, and music.
While sharing roots with Anti-Design, Radical Design held a distinct political motivation and a greater focus on urban architecture, innovation, and environmental concerns. The movement largely concluded around 1972 with the "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape" exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Despite its relatively short lifespan, with groups like Superstudio disbanding by 1978 and Archizoom closing in 1974, its influence persists. The architectural speculations from Florence continue to resonate with contemporary issues like globalization and environmental sustainability, particularly concerning mega-cities. Modern design trends such as Critical Design, Social Design, and Participatory Design draw from Radical Design's legacy. Its aesthetics have also reappeared in fashion collections from houses like Christian Dior (Fall 2011 Couture), Missoni (Fall 2015 Ready-To-Wear), and Saint Laurent (May 2021 collection). Roberta Meloni, CEO of Poltronova, has affirmed the bright future of Radical Design.
Design[]
Radical Design products are characterized by their quirky, ironic, and colorful nature, utilizing diverse materials and unique shapes. This approach was a direct response to the prevalent consumerism and minimalist aesthetic of the mid-1960s, which favored simple, mass-produced items. Designers and architects involved in the movement formed design studios where they created numerous playful objects that possessed strong visual impact and socio-political undertones, transforming the Italian design industry of the 1960s. Companies like Poltronova played a significant role in making these ideas tangible, producing notable works such as the Ultrafragola mirror, Superonda bench, Joe chair, and Sofo chair. The movement's influence also extended to interior design for spaces like discotheques, with examples including the 'Bocca' (or "Lipstick") sofa and the 'Puffo' stool by Pietro Derossi, Giorgio, Ceretti, and Riccardo Rosso. Radical Design's creativity also encompassed sets for performances, integrating fashion, photography, lighting, and music.
Architecture[]
Radical Design's architectural focus stemmed from an approach that questioned the very nature of built environments. While originating from students at the University of Florence, their work rapidly evolved into an explicit, speculative critique of traditional planning methods and the envisionment of future cities. This often involved grand-scale concepts and theoretical projects rather than numerous constructed buildings. Their architectural proposals were characterized by a departure from established conventions, pushing for new ways of living within urban structures. The movement's explorations into urbanism and environmental sustainability, though conceived decades ago, continue to resonate with contemporary discussions around globalization and the development of mega-cities. The movement has influenced modern architects, such as Stefano Boeri's work on sustainable residential buildings like Bosco Verticale.
Philosophy[]
Radical Design emerged as a critique of Modernism and the prevailing design conventions of its era. The movement's proponents challenged the emphasis on product practicality, instead asserting the inherent power of design itself. They opposed the widespread consumerism of the mid-1960s, which favored simple, mass-produced items and imposed minimalistic beauty standards. Radical Design sought to defy these established norms and promote individuality in contrast to uniform products.
The movement was characterized by a politically motivated stance. Its followers dedicated considerable attention to researching urban architecture, innovation, and environmental concerns. They adopted a speculative approach to architectural critique and the envisionment of future urban environments, questioning the very nature of what cities might become. As Lapo Binazzi of the UFO design group articulated, the imperative was to be "radical in spirit, not only in the architecture," indicating an ideological commitment beyond mere aesthetics. This philosophical foundation aimed to challenge the status quo and propose alternative modes of living and spatial organization.
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ "Radical Design – the movement that shaped the 80s aesthetics" on italianatelier.it
- ↑ "The Italian Radical Design Mouvement" on designaddict.com