HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE _Interiors and exhibitions

Course objectives

- knowledge and understanding skills: 1) Acquire a solid understanding of the central themes of contemporary architectural culture, with a specific focus on the history and evolution of exhibition design, exhibition spaces and interior architecture, particularly in Italy. 2) Understand the main currents and identify key figures, seminal works and socio-cultural contexts of reference. 3) Analyze the technical, material and technological aspects that have characterized interior architecture and exhibition design over time. - ability to apply knowledge and understanding: 1) develop narrative, communicative and exploratory skills to relate the history and theories of architecture to the contemporary culture of exhibition design and interior architecture. 2) Acquire independent critical judgment skills to understand the issues underlying the works of architecture in their historical determination and relationship with other artistic components, particularly relevant in the case of interiors, museography, and exhibition design. 3) Apply historical knowledge with discernment in the analysis of contemporary projects, recognizing styles, influences and design techniques and identifying connections with the past and innovations of the present.

Channel 1
MARIA CLARA GHIA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The objective of the course is to provide the necessary tools for knowledge of the history of contemporary architecture in the international scene, with a specific focus on exhibitions, exhibition spaces and interior design. The reference chronological span is between the industrial revolution and the present day. Beginning with the study of the historical framework relating to the different eras introduced, for an appropriate placement of architectural events in their social and cultural context, significant figures, works, places and moments are made to emerge for the definition of the theoretical devices and design methodology that characterize the development of contemporary architecture in general, and which then determine the particular directions and design choices in the field of layouts (museum, for exhibitions, events, temporary installations etc. ) and interior architecture, interpreted in their multiplicity of values: tectonic-spatial, material, stylistic, symbolic and functional. Specific analysis is reserved for the works of Italian masters who have given the work on fittings and interiors a foundational role in professional practice, with their own specificities of optics, utility, aesthetics, dimensional scale, durability and material, including Carlo Scarpa, Gio Ponti, Carlo Mollino, Franco Albini, Gae Aulenti, Ettore Sottsass, Antonio Citterio and others. The history of interior design is also associated with the history of design to define the interdisciplinary dimension of design. In addition, for a deeper understanding of the works and theoretical assumptions analyzed, the investigation aims to open up to the analysis of contemporary achievements in other disciplines, such as art, philosophy, literature and cinema, that influence design choices in the different historical periods analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the relationship with the host city, and specific site visits will be organized for the study of the main Roman works of the 20th century. The course is divided into ex cathedra lectures, exercises, visits, possible in itinere tests.
  • Lesson code10619232
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseArchitecture - Interior and Exhibit Design
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDICAR/18
  • CFU6
  • Subject areaDiscipline storiche per l'architettura