Giuseppe Terragni Casa del Fascio
Italo Perez
ID: 4016758
Essay #1- Draft- How does the building perform socially?
Giuseppe Terragni Casa del Fascio, Como, 1932-6
The design of Casa del Fascio (House of the Fascism) is a metaphorical representation of the authoritarian order of the Fascist party. It consists of a perfect grid organization with an orthogonal geometry. In fact, it is a compact structure, squared in plan, and rectangular in elevation.
The main façade is composed by a grid of open squares of the same size linked to a solid vertical rectangle that goes from the ground floor to the roof. The design of the main façade symbolizes how people were equal and submissive while the government ruled over them. In addition, the solid-void contrast reinforces the hierarchy of the solid wall. It is also interesting how the lines that define the grid do not overlap the significant rectangle; it seems like they all originate from it. The dominance of this gesture not only influences the façade but also projects its hierarchy to the plaza located in front, as well as the street, indicating that its power not only rules within the building but it is extended to the people gathering on the surroundings.
The entrance is pushed back and is located on the center, that way it is easy to recognize. Also, its transparent glassed doors make a clear connection with the interior space. Once inside we found that the grid opens, leading to a central atrium with a glass cover at the height of the second floor. This is the only space in which people is free to move because it is surrounded by a U shape of governmental offices and single rooms. These act as a boundary by containing the people inside.
Although the undoubted sense of strictness, Casa del Fascio is a building that invites you to experience the space. There is a feeling of transparency created by the voids and glassed areas that connect the inside and the outside. Additionally, with the gates open, the outdoor space in front becomes an extension of the
ID: 4016758
Essay #1- Draft- How does the building perform socially?
Giuseppe Terragni Casa del Fascio, Como, 1932-6
The design of Casa del Fascio (House of the Fascism) is a metaphorical representation of the authoritarian order of the Fascist party. It consists of a perfect grid organization with an orthogonal geometry. In fact, it is a compact structure, squared in plan, and rectangular in elevation.
The main façade is composed by a grid of open squares of the same size linked to a solid vertical rectangle that goes from the ground floor to the roof. The design of the main façade symbolizes how people were equal and submissive while the government ruled over them. In addition, the solid-void contrast reinforces the hierarchy of the solid wall. It is also interesting how the lines that define the grid do not overlap the significant rectangle; it seems like they all originate from it. The dominance of this gesture not only influences the façade but also projects its hierarchy to the plaza located in front, as well as the street, indicating that its power not only rules within the building but it is extended to the people gathering on the surroundings.
The entrance is pushed back and is located on the center, that way it is easy to recognize. Also, its transparent glassed doors make a clear connection with the interior space. Once inside we found that the grid opens, leading to a central atrium with a glass cover at the height of the second floor. This is the only space in which people is free to move because it is surrounded by a U shape of governmental offices and single rooms. These act as a boundary by containing the people inside.
Although the undoubted sense of strictness, Casa del Fascio is a building that invites you to experience the space. There is a feeling of transparency created by the voids and glassed areas that connect the inside and the outside. Additionally, with the gates open, the outdoor space in front becomes an extension of the