Fascist architecture

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Fascist architecture encompasses various stylistic trends in architecture developed by architects of

fascist states, primarily in the early 20th century. Fascist architectural styles gained popularity in the late 1920s with the rise of modernism along with the ultranationalism associated with fascist governments in western Europe. Fascist styles often resemble that of ancient Rome, but can extend to modern aesthetics as well. Fascist-era buildings are frequently constructed with particular concern given to symmetry and simplicity
.

Both Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler utilised new styles of architecture (variations of Rationalism and Stripped Classicism, respectively) as one of many attempts to unify the citizens of their states, mark a new era of nationalist culture, and exhibit the absolute rule of the state.[1]

New Reich Chancellery in Berlin, Germany
Italian Olympic Committee
in the background, Rome
The CSIC honouring Franco's victory in the Spanish Civil War, in Madrid, Spain

History

The fascist styles of architecture reflect the values of

totalitarian government. The vision of a strong, unified, and economically stable nation seemed appealing to western Europe after the physical and economic destruction after World War I, which contributed to the rise of fascism and corporatism
.

Italian and German fascism

Fascist architecture in the form of

Il Duce (the leader). When Mussolini took office, he took on the role of bringing about fascism and idealism to replace democracy in Italy. He utilized all forms of media along with architectural identity. The new modernist style of architecture was one way to help build his vision of a unified fascist Italy. When Mussolini called for a fascist style of architecture, architects used the style to imitate that of imperial Rome and to bring historical pride and a sense of nationalism to the Italian people. Fascist architecture was one of many ways for Mussolini to invigorate a cultural rebirth in Italy and to mark a new era of Italian culture under fascism.[2][3][4][5][6]

Similarly, once Hitler came to power in 1933 and transformed the German Chancellery to a dictatorship, he used fascist architecture in the form of

Welthauptstadt Germania. Hitler had his favorite architect, Albert Speer, design this new metropolis using fascist architecture design.[7]

Style

Fascist styles of architecture are a branch of modernist architecture which became popular in the early 20th century. The Italian Fascist style was also greatly influenced by the rationalist movement in Italy in the 1920s. Rationalist architecture, with the help of Italian government support, celebrated the new fascist age of culture and government in Italy.[8]

In Nazi Germany, the extremely large and spacious Fascist architecture was one way envisioned by Hitler to unify Germany for what he described as "mass experiences", in which thousands of citizens could gather and take part in the patriotism of community events, and listen to speeches made by Hitler and other Nazi party leaders.

The fascist styles of architecture took design cues from Ancient Rome in that buildings of the styles were generally very large and symmetric with sharp non-rounded edges. The buildings purposefully conveyed a sense of awe and intimidation through their size, and were made of limestone and other durable stones in order to last the entirety of the fascist era and create impressive ruins. The buildings were also very plain, with little or no decoration, and lacked much complexity in design. These generalities of fascist architecture contributed to the simple aesthetics the edifices display. All these aspects helped the fascist dictatorships exhibit absolute and total rule of the population. Hitler and Mussolini used fascist architecture as another source of propaganda to display to the world the strength, pride and power their regimes had.[9]

Architects

The most prominent Italian and German fascist architects of the era were:

Structures

A few of the notable fascist architecture projects of the 20th century include

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fascist architecture.

References

  1. ^ "The Fascinating World of Fascist Architecture". Retrieved 2012-02-04.
  2. ^ "Fascist Architecture in Italy". Retrieved 2012-02-04.
  3. ^ Mathews, Jeff. "The Architecture of Fascism in Naples". Archived from the original on 2011-09-17. Retrieved 2012-02-04.
  4. ^ Payne, Stanley. "Italian Fascism". Archived from the original on 2012-04-01. Retrieved 2012-02-12.
  5. ^ Mathews, Jeff. "The Architecture of Fascism in Naples". Archived from the original on 2011-09-17. Retrieved 2012-02-12.
  6. ISBN 978-1009354103
    .
  7. ^ "Welthauptstadt Germania". Archived from the original on 2016-09-03. Retrieved 2012-02-12.
  8. JSTOR 989580
    .
  9. ^ "Order from Stone: Nazi Architecture". Archived from the original on 2014-07-24. Retrieved 2012-02-04.
  10. ^ Fulvio, Irace. "Piacentini". Retrieved 2012-02-13.
  11. ^ Piperno, Roberto. "A XXth century New Rome". Retrieved 2012-02-04.
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