Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/architettura-contemporanea

Embarking on a quest to understand the evolution of our built environment is a rewarding endeavor, and Coursera’s “Introduzione alla Storia dell’Architettura Contemporanea” (Introduction to the History of Contemporary Architecture) offers a compelling gateway. This course, presented in Italian, provides a insightful exploration of pivotal works and influential figures that have shaped modern and contemporary architecture.

The course is thoughtfully structured into three weeks, each delving into a distinct yet interconnected theme. The first week is dedicated to “Capolavori del Novecento” (Masterpieces of the Twentieth Century). Here, you’ll encounter nine seminal works from architectural giants of the Modern Movement, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Alvar Aalto. The instructors masterfully weave together the technical aspects of construction with the philosophical underpinnings of each architect’s vision, offering a nuanced perspective on these iconic buildings.

Week two shifts focus to “Due maestri italiani” (Two Italian Masters). This section offers a fascinating comparison between Franco Albini, celebrated for his measured “art of presenting” objects in space, and Luigi Moretti, known for his profound reflections on the interplay between structure, form, and space. The course highlights the surprising outcomes of their work, both in terms of built forms and architectural theory, providing a valuable insight into the Italian contribution to architectural discourse.

The final week, “Viaggi nell’architettura contemporanea” (Journeys in Contemporary Architecture), takes participants on a curated tour of contemporary architectural examples. These are primarily spaces designed for social interaction, spaces that often carry the echoes of the past while simultaneously shaping new urban and rural landscapes. While acknowledging the subjective nature of any selection, the course presents these examples as an open invitation to appreciate the reasons behind architectural beauty. Crucially, the critical commentary encourages a healthy exercise of doubt, recognizing that time is the ultimate arbiter of an architect’s legacy.

Overall, “Introduzione alla Storia dell’Architettura Contemporanea” is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of architectural history. The course is well-organized, the content is rich and engaging, and the focus on both iconic masterpieces and influential figures makes it a truly valuable learning experience. Whether you’re an aspiring architect, a design enthusiast, or simply curious about the spaces that define our world, this course offers a rewarding journey.

Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/architettura-contemporanea