The Logical Construction of Architecture, published in 1967, serves as the primary manifesto for the austere, rationalist design philosophy championed by Giorgio Grassi. Emerging from the Politecnico di Milano, where he graduated in 1960, Grassi established himself as a central figure within the Italian rationalist school known as La Tendenza, defining a career centered on urban precision and historical archetype.
Architectural Theory and Influences
Grassi moved away from mainstream architectural trends, favoring a methodology that treats design as an autonomous craft. His approach reflects the rigor of Ludwig Hilberseimer, Heinrich Tessenow, and Adolf Loos. Working alongside Aldo Rossi, he advocated for a framework divorced from external political or economic pressures. This intellectual stance, further influenced by the historical analysis of Manfredo Tafuri, posits that architecture should function through clarity and honesty rather than decorative or spectacular form-making.
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Since 1965, Grassi has served as a professor at the Politecnico di Milano. His influence extends through his prolific output of theoretical literature, including the 1979 publication Architecture as a Craft. During the early stage of his career, between 1960 and 1964, he contributed to the magazine Casabella-continuità. His work remains a staple of international architectural discourse, frequently appearing in top publications and academic monographs such as the 1994 collection of his projects edited with Pilar Insausti and Tito Llopis.
Professional Projects and Competitions
His portfolio includes the Municipal centre of the Visconteo Castle of Abbiategrasso, finished in 1970, and the 1976 student house at the University of Chieti. Notable works like the 1985 restoration of the Roman theatre of Sagunto and the 1993 complex at Potsdamer Platz demonstrate his trademark use of exposed brick and square windows. In 1994, he won a competition for the refurbishment of Berlin's Neues Museum, though the Berlin State Museums later rejected the proposal in favor of a process that eventually selected David Chipperfield Architects.
Fast facts
- Born: 1935, Milan, Italy
- Education: Polytechnic University of Milan
- Movement: La Tendenza
- Key Publication: The Logical Construction of Architecture (1967)
- Professional debut: 1960
- Notable project: Roman theatre of Sagunto (1985)
Questions readers ask
What characterizes Grassi's design style?
Grassi is known for severely rational architecture defined by simplicity, clarity, and the frequent use of exposed brick and square windows.
Which major museum competition did Grassi win in 1994?
He won the competition to refurbish the Neues Museum in Berlin, but the result was later rejected by the Berlin State Museums.
Achievements
- Trained at Polytechnic University of Milan
