Documentation
Transversal Territory is a laboratory of urban, environmental, and artistic experimentation at the Mendrisio Academy of Architecture. It undertakes transdisciplinary and participatory research on the relationship between us, our bodies, and our built and natural environments. Its unique approach is to explore experiences of—and reflections on—urban space through performative bodywork and on-site artistic installations. This process aims at transcending the conventional paradigms of perception and the understanding of urban space, and at creating a new imagination of it—an augmented reality. Transversal Territory’s innovative research is conducted in annual workshops, in which students and local residents collaborate, and subsequent public presentations of the results.
This volume features 20 performances and installations realized in 2022 in Mendrisio’s Rime-Brech neighborhood, a typical suburban area with its mix of industrial structures, social housing, shopping malls, fast food outlets, parking lots, wastelands, and highways. It is conceived as a map of Mendrisio that spreads across the pages to recontextualize the genius loci in book format.
Transversal Territory. A Transdisciplinary and Participatory Approach in Urban Research
edited by
Mansoureh Aalaii, Antoine de Perrot aka Onzgi
21 x 28 cm, 160 pp.
59 ill. col.
paperback
english / italian
Park Books
ISBN: 9783038603726
€ 29 / frs 29.–
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Built in three phases over the course of a decade, the Scuola ai Saleggi in Locarno crystallized the evolution of Livio Vacchini’s architectural research in the 1970s in a single complex, so becoming a key place for his professional development.
The book brings together the studies of the School undertaken at the suggestion of the Cultural Heritage Office of Canton Ticino. It has a twofold character: on the one hand it offers a methodological approach, an outline of the research preceding action to safeguard the complex; on the other it presents the results of a historical investigation of the School that opens up new and fruitful ways of interpreting Livio Vacchini’s architectural achievement.
Roberta Grignolo, Marco Di Nallo, Livio Vacchini. Scuola ai Saleggi di Locarno (1970-1979)
250 pp.
315 ill. col. and b/w
italian
ISBN 9788887624908
Open Access
The mobile, liquid, interconnected society presupposes and requires ever higher speed in the movement of people, goods and information, but produces counteractions. This is the least explored face of globalisation, yet it is crucial. Without the great fleets of the shipping industry there would be no global economy of goods designed in America, produced in China and distributed worldwide. Without widespread computing and the means of instant delivery there would be no Amazon economy. Without digital platforms there would be no gigantic market for organised large-scale distribution. Without high-speed trains, there would be no movement of people between large cities that has changed the way we live and work. A historical change has therefore taken place within a few years: from the mass automobile industry to the informational, cognitive and personalised mobility of the new century. With capital and technology commitments, consumption of environmental resources and impacts on ecology and daily life and people's identities. Aspects of a larger and more subtle phenomenon, that of social acceleration. Which also produces alienation and disintegration. And today it requires a radical rethinking caused by the pandemic. What are the goals that the whole of society is running after? This book explores the economy of speed, the technical knowledge that makes it possible and the social and environmental paradoxes arising from it.
Texts by: Simonetta Armondi, Giuseppe Berta, Sergio Bologna, Andrea Bottalico, Luca Garavaglia, Paolo Perulli, Marco Ponti, Pier Paolo Puliafito, Marcello Tadini.
Economia della velocità
edited by
Paolo Perulli
12,5 x 20,5 cm, 112 pp.
paperback
italian
Silvana Editoriale
ISBN 9788836652396
€ 15 / frs 15.-
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This book presents an outline of the foundation and growth of the Mendrisio Academy of Architecture, established in 1996 as a faculty of the coeval Università della Svizzera italiana. The school was immediately distinguished by an educational range that sought to create a dialogue between different disciplines, only seemingly remote from architecture, with historians, philosophers, artists and scientists engaging with the work of architects and urban planners. And in retracing the first 25 years of the Academy, the author, a world-famous architect and one of the founders of the school, also recounts architecture experienced as a generational commitment in the face of environmental changes.
Mario Botta, Tracce di una scuola. Accademia di architettura a Mendrisio 1996-2021
21 x 26 cm, 424 pp.
690 ill. col. and b/w
paperback
italian
Electa
ISBN: 9788892821279
€ 35 / frs 35.–
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This book is the outcome of a teaching project stemming from a consolidated approach to research into the contemporary city. It uses the case of Milan as an introduction to the study of the co-evolution between social city and physical city, an analytical and project theme that has marked modern urban planning.
The first part describes the process of formation of the city of Milan as it is in fact; the second presents a methodology for analysing the morphology of the territory of the municipality of San Donato Milanese, interpreted as part, as a district, of Greater Milan.
Milano: città e territorio. Uno studio di caso
Antonio Calafati,
Carlottavio Basellini, Alberto De Lorenzo, Stefano Zoli
19 x 22,5 cm
96 pp.
80 ill. col., 14 ill. b/w
paperback
italian
Silvana Editoriale
ISBN 9788836646647
€ 20 / frs. 20.‒
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How can we avoid the creation of new ghettos or the proliferation of dormitory neighbourhoods? How does architectural action encourage ties between individual and family life and the social and collective dimensions? The special character of social housing lies in this twofold specificity: it responds to primary needs and offers scenarios of life capable of accommodating the complexity of public space. In doing so, the design of social housing is closely bound up with the urban fact and its deep social, cultural and temporal stratification. The design of important sections of the city constitutes the underlying motif of all 15 editions of WISH (Workshop on International Social Housing), a formative project launched in 2003 by the Mendrisio Academy of Architecture and recounted in this volume.
Quindici anni di WISH
Workshop on International Social Housing
2003-2017
edited by
Martino Pedrozzi, Andrea Nardi
17 x 24 cm
280 pp.
96 ill. col., 204 ill. b/v
paperback
italian
ISBN 9788887624915
€ 39 / frs. 39.‒
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"Yellowred" is a publication that concerns architecture projects, built on preexisting architecture, converting, reusing, extending, downsizing or refurbishing it. Its main goal is to illustrate how buildings, in their inevitable transformation process, can be re-used. This publication will collect a number of projects that show a capacity to rediscover in the existing building hidden potentialities, transforming them in opportunities for the re-used building. It wants to talk about the strategies, themes, ideas and advantages of extending the lifespan of an existing structure, which has become a widely diffused practice due to today’s global commitment for what concerns sustainability. On the other hands "Yellowred" will look at examples from the past, showing that reusing existing buildings has always been part of architects’ concerns, for economic, social or cultural reasons.
Yellowred. On Reused Architecture
edited by
Martin Boesch, Laura Lupini,
João Machado
21 x 29.5 cm, 176 pp.
150 ill. b/w, 125 ill. col.
paperback
english
Silvana Editoriale
ISBN 9788836636211
€ 29 / frs 29.–
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This volume brings together the works of Gabriele Basilico (1944-2013) devoted to the theme of landscape, bringing out the project that informed his gaze: the photographer was an architect by training, and particularly concerned with issues related to urban planning, as well as the development and transformation of the natural environment. The collection opens with a selection of photographs from the cycle Bord de Mer, the work Basilico carried out in the mid-eighties and which introduced him to the international arena: a research project which revealed, among much else, a close relation with art history, in particular with the painters of the eighteenth century. A broad selection is then given from two groups of works done in Switzerland: one dedicated to Luigi Snozzi’s architectural interventions at Monte Carasso (Locarno), the other to the landscape of the Saint-Gotthard Pass, interpreted as a lifeline between northern and southern Europe.
Texts by Angela Madesani, Giovanna Calvenzi, João Nunes, Luigi Snozzi.
The Project in the Gaze. Landscape Photographs by Gabriele Basilico
edited by
Marco Della Torre
23.5 x 16.5 cm, 128 pp.
60 ill. b/w
paperback
english / italian
Silvana Editoriale
ISBN 9788836633210
€ 22 / frs 25.–
Esaurito
During the spring semester of 2014, the students of the Miller design studio at the Mendrisio Academy of Architecture worked on the urban plan and architecture of Basel, focusing in particular on the area that extends along the Aeschengraben and the St. Alban-Anlage, where an extensive restructuring is planned. The work resulted in twelve projects, presented on display at the headquarters of the Basilese Assicurazioni and now brought together in this catalog.
Atelier Miller, Aeschengraben St. Alban-Anlage. Sechs grosse Häuser für Basel / Sei grandi edifici per Basilea
19,5 × 26,5 cm, 178 pp.
22 ill. col., 85 ill. b/w
flexicover
german / italian
9788887624649
€ 30 / frs 30.–
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The book deals with the troubled issue of the relation between legislation and the protection of twentieth-century architecture through a constructive dialogue between the competencies of specialists in various fields: architects, curators, lawyers and security experts. The questions raised by the topic are analysed in theoretical terms but also in their immediate operative relevance, through a discussion of the principles underlying the principles subtending the regulations in force in various sectors.
Texts in Italian, English, French or German by Bernard Bauchet, Martin Boesch, Marco Borghi, Andrea Canziani, Mauro Gandolla, Wolfgang Karl Göhner, Markus Gehri, Daniele Graber, Roberta Grignolo, Pierino Lestuzzi, Walter Maffioletti, Joe A. Manser, Dieter Martin, Gustavo Milani, Tapani Mustonen, Barbara Neubauer, Terjie Nypan, Valeria Pracchi, Régis Prunet, Bruno Reichlin, Oskar Spital-Frenking, Ana Tostões.
Diritto e salvaguardia dell'architettura del XX secolo / Law and the Conservation of 20th Century Architecture
edited by
Roberta Grignolo, Bruno Reichlin
21 x 25 cm, 312 pp.
168 ill. col., 168 ill. b/w
paperback
italian, english, french, german
Silvana Editoriale
ISBN 97888836627226
€ 35 / frs 40.–
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This volume brings together contributions from some of the leading scholars and designers on the protection of interior space, which in the work on the architectural heritage of the twentieth century is often overshadowed by the outer shell. The various issues raised by the topic are analysed from the theoretical and thematic viewpoints, as well as in immediately functional terms through discussions of operations already completed.
Texts in Italian, English, French or German by Cecile Briolle, Andrea Canziani, Dorothea Deschermeier, Fernando Fiorino, Hartmut Frank, Emilia Garda, Michel Goutal, Roberta Grignolo, Justin Gunther, Jean-Baptiste Minnaert, Joris Molenaar, Marco Pogacnik, Bruno Reichlin, Jacques Repiquet, Giorgio Rigone, Arthur Ruegg, Paola Scaramuzza, Lynda S. Waggoner.
Lo spazio interno moderno come oggetto di salvaguardia / Modern Interior Space as an Object of Preservation
edited by
Roberta Grignolo, Bruno Reichlin
21 x 25 cm, 296 pp.
228 ill. col., 160 ill. b/w
paperback
english, italian, french, german
Silvana Editoriale
ISBN 9788836624171
€ 35 / frs 40.–
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"Microcosmi" documents the didactic activity of Valentin Bearth’s Design Studio at the Mendrisio Academy of Architecture between 2004 and 2012. It describes the methodology and the premises of the course within the context of the school and presents a selection of student projects. The didactic report is completed by the transcription of a lecture by Aurelio Galfetti, where the parallel presentation of two built projects, the Rotalinti House in Bellinzona and his house on the island of Paros, offers a significant contribution on the theme of inhabitation.
Atelier Bearth, Microcosmi
edited by
Mihail Amariei
20 x 24 cm, 352 pp.
500 ill. col. and b/w
hardcover
english / italian
ISBN 9788887624564
€ 50 / frs 60 (Switzerland, Italy)
€ 60 (Europe)
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A booklet documenting work by Studio Sergison at the Mendrisio Academy in the spring semester of 2011. The publication contains one paper by Jonathan Sergison, originally given as lecture in the course of the semester, a photographic record of the reference buildings analysed and of the projects produced by the students.
Studio Sergison, Palau
20 x 26.5 cm, 60 pp.
119 ill. b/w, col.
paperback
english
ISBN 9780954237172
€ 7 / frs 10.–
Esaurito
The book collects the technical analysis of 28 Ticinese school buildings (1953-1984) drew by the students during the course Construction Systems and Processes held at the Mendrisio Academy of Architecture.
Texts by Aurelio Galfetti, Franz Graf, Paolo Galliciotti, Massimo Cattaneo.
La costruzione delle scuole in Canton Ticino 1953-1984
edited by
Franz Graf, Massimo Cattaneo,
Paolo Galliciotti
24.5 x 24.5 cm, 160 pp.
265 ill. b/w
paperback
italian
ISBN 9788887624496
€ 30 / frs 35.-
Esaurito
Texts in Italian, English, French or German by Steffen Adam, Francesca Albani, Giulio Barazzetta, Maria Luisa Barelli, Bernard Bauchet, Winfried Brenne, Berthold Burkhardt, Jacques-Louis de Chambrier, Anke Fissabre, Enrico Giacopelli, Franz Graf, Alberto Grimoldi, Ivo Hammer, Giulia Marino, Monika Markgraf, Sander Nelissen, Bernhard Niethammer, Ingrid Paoletti, Bruno Reichlin, John Robertson, Pierre Roquette, Arthur Ruegg, Simona Salvo, Adolf Stiller, Ola Wedebrunn.
Il vetro nell'architettura del XX secolo: conservazione e restauro / Glass in the 20th Century Architecture: Preservation and Restoration
edited by
Franz Graf, Francesca Albani
21 x 25 cm, 496 pp.
355 ill. b/w, 13 ill. col.
paperback
english, italian, french, german
ISBN 9788887624502
€ 40 / frs 50.-
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A booklet documenting work by Studio Sergison at the Mendrisio Academy in the fall semester of 2009. The publication contains one paper by Jonathan Sergison, originally given as lecture in the course of the semester, a photographic record of the reference buildings analysed and of the projects produced by the students.
Studio Sergison, Inside / Outside
20 x 26.5 cm, 64 pp.
89 ill. col., 66 iil. b/w
paperback
english
ISBN 9780954237127
€ 7 / frs 10.–
Esaurito
A booklet documenting work by Studio Sergison at the Mendrisio Academy in the spring semester of 2009. The publication contains two papers by Jonathan Sergison and Stephen Bates, originally given as lectures in the course of the semester, a photographic record of the reference buildings analysed and of the projects produced by the students.
Studio Sergison, Schoolness
20 x 26.5 cm, 60 pp.
108 ill. b/w and col.
paperback
english
ISBN 9780954237134
€ 7 / frs 10.–
Esaurito
A booklet documenting work by Studio Sergison at the Mendrisio Academy in the autumn semester of 2008. The publication contains two papers by Jonathan Sergison and Stephen Bates, originally given as lectures in the course of the semester, a photographic record of the reference buildings analysed and of the projects produced by the students.
Studio Sergison, Urban Picturesque
20 x 26.5 cm, 48 pp.
77 ill. col.
paperback
english
ISBN 9780954237127
€ 7 / frs 10.–
Esaurito
The book shows the big steps that Chinese urbanism is taking today. Beijing and Shanghai represent modern developments: one is the political and cultural center of the nation, while the other is its economic hub. Nanjing is taken as a typical case of Chinese urbanism, with its long history, natural geography, political events, and economic development.
Texts in English by Josep Acebillo, Wowo Ding, Chen Zhao, Hongyan Xiao.
Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing: Three Chinese Venues
edited by
Wowo Ding
16,5 × 19 cm, 136 pp.
151 ill. col., 28 ill. b/w
paperback
english
ISBN 9788887624366
€ 16 / frs 25.-
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The book offers an overview of the transformations under way in Johannesburg and its metropolitan area, and a selection of the most interesting architectural and urban projects completed or under way in the last ten years. The common denominator of the best of these projects is twofold: firstly, they implement architectural and planning practices to overcome the social, political and cultural divisions of the past and to respond to the fluidity of the post apartheid landscape; secondly, they contribute to develop South Africa’s enormous economic potential and to make its principal cities international points of reference.
Texts in English by Josep Acebillo, Lindsay Bremner, Pep Subirós, Achille Mbembe and Sarah Nuttall.
Johannesburg: Emerging / Diverging Metropolis
edited by
Lindsay Bremner, Pep Subirós
16,5 × 19 cm, 176 pp.
185 ill. col., 65 ill. b/w
paperback
english
ISBN 9788887624359
€ 16 / frs 25.-
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