We paid tribute to Cristiano Toraldo di Francia by continuing on the path he began with us in 2017, initiating reflections on Soft Architecture through the metaphor of tapestry and the flexibility of the material and production systems we had pioneered, of which he, to our surprise, was an admirer.
Therefore, supported by his friends, fans, and heirs, we wished to pick up where he left off. Following Milan, we exhibited in Rome, featuring his "Histogram" alongside works by esteemed figures such as Ico Migliore (Migliore+Servetto Architects), Alberonero, Ippolito Fleitz Group, Graphic Surgery, Giovanna Latis, Rona Meyuchas Koblenz, Marco Ferreri, Pierpaolo Pitacco, Lis Beltran & Alberto Lievore. In addition to presenting new tapestries, we envisioned a Talk that would reignite the discussion on Soft Architecture. We dream of extending this dialogue to all countries where i-Mesh is present, beginning in the capital of Italy, once Caput Mundi.
Cristiano envisioned i-Mesh and its zero-waste production system as the ideal material for creating Soft Architectures. Investigating the significance of his words within the historical context of Radical Architecture, and aligning them with contemporary themes such as sustainability, adaptation, individual well-being, urban comfort, and the preservation of cultural diversity, Dajla Riera, supported by Federica Ottone, follows in the footsteps of Alberto Fiorenzi's early insights at Eduardo Vittoria's school.
Therefore, Dajla Riera and Federica Ottone expound on why i-Mesh epitomizes Soft Architecture. Gabriele Mastrigli reminisces on when Cristiano's architectural vision turned soft, while Manuel Orazi delves into the past, present, and future in search of traces of Soft Architecture. Alessio Battistella, Margherita Manfra, and Giuseppe Grant provide testimony illuminating why their daily endeavors embody Soft Architecture.
Finally, Stefano Catucci explores the aesthetics of Soft Architecture and the interplay between decoration and function. The evening's host, Cristiana Colli, recounts our initial encounter with Cristiano, as she introduced us to the graphic studio in Pesaro where 'Mappe,' formerly known as 'Progetti,' was conceived. Cristiana, more than anyone else, has ensured this story is one worth telling.
