Abstract
The national competition for the extension of the Camera dei Deputati, or Italian Lower Parliament, records a crucial moment in architectural debate in Italy after the Sixties. Samoná′s entry is particularly important not only to understand his personal research in depth, but also to diagnose the status of architectural culture in general. Newly discovered materials helped to shed new light on some crucial issues of architectural debates, as well as to reconstruct different alternatives of the project. Arguments such as the destiny of the historic centers, the potential of architectural objects, and the relationship between city and architecture are seen in comparative studies with previous projects and in comparison to those of other architects in the Novecento. The crisis and continuity that characterize Samoná′s and other architects′ engagement are focused as a critical stance within the socio–political context. Lastly, the comprehensive significance of the open hand is analyzed by studying the personal and professional relationship that Samoná had with Le Corbusier.
Research funding for this study was provided by Kyung Hee University.
