Architecture That Connects with the Time of the Land
Possibilities for Community from “Casa del Quartiere”

Maki Onishi, Masashi Itaya

“Casa del Quartiere” is an independent, self-governing space for the community, established by the citizens themselves in Turin, Genoa, Alessandria, and other cities in Italy. The diverse citizens who visit Casa del Quartiere include children, the elderly, families in financial need, and immigrants, making it an essential space for a community that respects each other’s differences and lives well.

In this studio, we will discuss “Casa del Quartiere” and consider the community and the local society that begins with a place. If citizens, private companies, or welfare organizations could create a space to grow the local community by themselves in a different way from public buildings constructed by the government, what kind of architecture would be possible with them?

During the 10 days (May 6-16), we will visit Turin, Genoa, and Bologna in Italy to observe and research “Casa del Quartiere” “Biblioteca Salaborsa” and many other examples of community spaces created by local people themselves. Particularly in Turin, through understanding the history of Turin, we will analyze how the current activities of Casa del Quartiere have come about in relation to the urban structure, history, and ideological background that has been in place since Roman period. Based on the study in Italy, each student should select a site where they can work with reality on their own, and propose a Casa del Quartiere for the site.

■Design Criteria

・The site can be anywhere but please choose a concrete site rather than a virtual site.

・Your architectural office will be located in the designed architecture,  and you will be expected to participate in the project as managing members.

・New construction or renovation is not required, but activity-only proposals will not be accepted.

　To consider and propose both the architectural proposal and the activities that may occur there.

・Think of a community of diverse members.

・Think not only about one building, but about the outdoor space and the surrounding city.

■Research in Italy

・Research in Italy will be lead by Yosuke Taki, a critic and artist living in Rome. In Turin, we will be guided by Andrea Bocco of Politecnico di Torino.

・The research in Italy will be summarized in a booklet that can be used in the future as a shared resource for the studio. And research methods will be decided through discussion at studio meetings up to the studio trip.