Turin 2008

Transmitting Architecture was the theme chosen for the Turin World Congress that sought to explore architecture as a means of communication, and the means of communication proper to architecture. The congress will examine all the aspects of a profession that, on a daily basis, deals with the quality of life, the city, landscapes, and the environment, through a dialogue involving all the stakeholders.

Three days were dedicated to developing the general theme of “Transmitting architecture: culture, democracy, hope.” Each day was devoted to discussions on one facet of “Architecture for everyone: in the past, the present, and the future.”

30 June: the past, culture – architectural culture, talent, history, heritage, education.

1 July: the present, democracy – urban democracy, participation, negotiation, decision.

2 July: the future, hope – innovation, sustainability,protecting the environment.

The programme offered a range of conferences by architects and international experts including Mario Bellini, Gary Chang, Odile Decq, Peter Eisenman, Massimiliano Fuksas, Thomas Herzog, Tagit Klimor, David Knafo, Kengo Kuma, Michele de Lucchi, Dominique Perrault, Renzo Piano, Hani Rashid, Joseph Rykwert, Alvaro Siza, Paolo Soleri, and Muhammad Yunus.

The Congress was held at the Lingotto, a former FIAT automobile factory transformed by Renzo Piano into a modern and multifunctional congress centre; conferences were held at the Palavela, restructured by Gae Aulenti and Arnaldo de Bernardi; the Oval Pavillon, realised by Alessandro and Pino Zoppini with John Barrow, housed an immense architectural bookstore and the Architektonica construction trade fair.