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Essays

Modern, Postmodern, Millenary A text by Andrea Branzi

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Released on March 6 / Available for pre-order for shipping from March 9

A central figure in contemporary architecture and design, Andrea Branzi (1938–2023) maintained a close and continuous relationship with the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain for more than twenty years. From his first solo exhibition in Paris in 2008 to the presentation, in 2026, of the largest retrospective of his work in Milan—organized in partnership with Triennale Milano—the Fondation Cartier actively supported the spread of his ideas and contributed to the recognition of his major role in the transformations of architecture and design at the end of the 20th century. The Fondation Cartier holds some of his seminal works in its collection, including Ellipse and Gazebo (2008). In this essay, first published in 1980, Andrea Branzi developed a critical analysis of the architecture of his time, which he perceived as being in crisis. He contrasted the principles of modern architecture inherited from Bauhaus with those of postmodern architecture promoted by the radical avant-gardes. The questions he raised—particularly those concerning the architect’s role within society—invite a profound reflection on both past and present architecture, revealing its inherent contradictions and paradoxes

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Editor Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
Languages Bilingual French / English version
Format

Paperback, 17 × 10.5 cm, 56 pages
Non-illustrated

Design Nolwen Lauzanne
ISBN 9782869252158
Release March 2026

Andrea Branzi

Italian architect and designer Andrea Branzi (1938–2023) was one of the leading theorists of radical Italian architecture. In 1966, he took part in the founding of the avant-garde architecture group Archizoom Associati, of which he remained a member until its dissolution in 1974. The Archizoom collective was known for its utopian and critical urban projects, such as the concept of an endless city, No-Stop City, and joined numerous exhibitions worldwide, including Superarchitettura (Galleria Jolly 2, Pistoia, 1966) and Italy: The New Domestic Landscape at the Museum of Modern Art (New York, 1972). Archizoom also presented innovative projects at Triennale Milano, including the installation Centro di Cospirazione Eclettica (1968) and the movies Come è fatto il cappotto di Gogol and Vestirsi è facile (1973).In 1973, Andrea Branzi settled in Milan. With Studio Alchimia (1976) and then the Memphis Group (1981), founded by Ettore Sottsass, he helped introduce bright colors and eccentric forms into design, breaking away from the Bauhaus principles that promoted functionalism and minimalism. Throughout his career, he worked in industrial design, architecture, urban planning, cultural promotion, and education and he collaborated with major Italian brands: Alessi, Cassina, Zanotta, Poltronova, Olivari, Danese, Magis, and Kartell. A professor at Politecnico di Milano, Andrea Branzi co-founded the Domus Academy in 1983, the first international postgraduate design school.Andrea Branzi was a regular contributor to the radical architecture magazine Casabella. He also wrote numerous books on the history and theory of design, including The Hot House: Italian New Wave (Cambridge: MIT Press, 1986) and Weak and Diffuse Modernity: The World of Projects at the Beginning of the 21st Century (Milan: Skira, 2006). In 1994, he was awarded the Compasso d’Oro, the most prestigious Italian design prize, in recognition of his lifetime achievements. In 2008, he received the honorary award Laurea Honoris Causa in industrial design from La Sapienza University of Rome. That year, he also became Royal Designer for Industry of the London Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).

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