1st Edition
Decoding Luigi Moretti's Architettura Parametrica Negotiating Theory and Practice in the Forecasting of Computer-Aided Architectural Design
List of figures
Note on translation
Image credits acknowledgement
Introduction: Why Moretti matters today
1 Moretti within the proto-parametric patchwork: Amid international trends and Italian culture
Italian architectural design culture, between anti-scientism and digital transition kick-off
2 Architettura Parametrica: In theory
The juvenile period and the early insights of Architettura Parametrica (1930s–1950)
The maturity period and the outline of a personal architectural theory (1950–1957)
The commitment period and the contaminations of an architectural theory (1957–1973)
3 Architettura Parametrica: In practice
A design exegesis of the Architettura Parametrica exhibition projects
Formal Analogies with Architettura Parametrica in Moretti’s oeuvre
Methodological analogies with Architettura Parametrica in Moretti’s oeuvre
4 Foresights and topicality of Architettura Parametrica
Continuities and ruptures with contemporary computational design
Architettura Parametrica between AI and Parametricism
Conclusions
Bibliography
Index
Biography
Giuseppe Canestrino, Architect and PhD, is an adjunct professor and postdoctoral research fellow in Architectural Design at the University of Calabria. He has previously been a guest researcher at Delft University of Technology and a visiting PhD at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. His primary research interest lies in exploring the relationship between digital culture, formfinding, and architectural design also through the investigation of scientific and logical processes for solving design problems. His critical-theoretical research informs his professional practice, in which he engages through participation in design competitions, gaining various victories and honourable mentions. He is the author of La Concezione Parametrica dell’Architettura (trad. The Parametric Conception of Architecture, 2024) and his writings have been published in The Journal of Architecture, The Plan Journal, Nexus Network Journal, Agathòn, Storia Urbana, U+D – Urbanform and Design, and Metamorfosi, among others.
“Giuseppe Canestrino masterfully unveils the forgotten genius of Luigi Moretti at the historical root of parametric architecture, before digital computation. This book is an essential read for architects, scholars, and designers seeking to grasp the theoretical and practical evolution of parametric thinking in architectural design.”
Patrik Schumacher, Zaha Hadid Architects.
"Giuseppe Canestrino’s insightful examination positions Luigi Moretti’s Architettura Parametrica as a significant milestone in architectural theory and practice. It demonstrates how mathematics, science, and culture were used to establish the groundwork for computational and parametric thinking, essential in contemporary architecture. This is a timely and vital work."
Michael J. Ostwald, Editor in Chief, Nexus Network Journal, Architecture and Mathematics.
