The relationship between architecture and urban landscape is not only symbolic, but deeply intertwined. According to an emerging reflection in the field of architectural design, every building should be conceived as an integral part of a larger context: the urban landscape. This vision is shared by architect Fabrizio Barozzi, who explored the topic in depth at the seminar ‘Forms of Beauty: Materials of Wellbeing and Mediterranean Architecture’, organised by Diasen, emphasising the importance of designing architecture that enhances the uniqueness and specificity of each place, respecting its cultural, environmental and social characteristics.
Architecture and Urban Landscape: Two sides of the same coin
According to Barozzi, architecture is not just an isolated intervention, but an element that contributes to the composition of a larger urban landscape. Every project should be born with the intention of harmonising with its context, reconstructing and enhancing the identity of each landscape.
This philosophy is based on the idea that each building is never an end in itself, but part of a narrative linking history, geography and town planning. Architecture thus becomes a means to express the specificity of the place, respecting its uniqueness.
Beauty as a result of conscious choices
In Barozzi’s vision, architectural beauty emerges when the building dialogues with its context, responds to people’s needs and respects its surroundings. Beauty, therefore, should not be a direct objective for the architect, but rather the result of conscious choices that respect the context. In this sense, an indissoluble union is established between beauty and sustainability: sustainability does not only concern the materials or technologies used, but includes the concept of comfort, i.e. the way spaces are experienced and perceived.
Comfort is a fundamental component for any architectural project: creating buildings that offer wellbeing to users while optimising resources to the maximum is a crucial challenge. In Barozzi’s vision, essentiality is the key: designing with just a few, but well thought-out, elements makes it possible to achieve results that respect the environment without sacrificing the quality of space.
Essentiality and Natural Materials: the future of building
At a time when ecological transition is at the centre of global discussions, a new trend is emerging in architecture: the use of natural and recycled materials. After years of dominance of hard and aggressive materials, there is now a return to a preference for softer, sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Elements such as wood, cork, clay or other recycled materials are becoming essential to meet today’s needs, combining aesthetics and functionality.
This approach not only reduces environmental impact, but also promotes a greater connection between the building and its context. For Barozzi, working with natural materials means creating a bridge between past and future, enhancing tradition but projecting it towards new possibilities.
Tradition and Innovation in Architecture
The process of ecological transition, however, requires not only technological innovation, but also a reassessment of building traditions. The wisdom accumulated over centuries, as demonstrated by the Mediterranean tradition, offers inherently sustainable solutions. Mediterranean architecture, with its skilful use of local materials and ability to adapt to the climate, is a model to be reinterpreted and integrated into contemporary challenges.
However, for Barozzi, it is not enough to reproduce tradition mechanically. It is essential to reinterpret it, adapting it to new contexts and current needs. Only in this way can architecture truly respond to the demands of an evolving society, combining respect for the past and technological innovation.
A vision for the future
Fabrizio Barozzi‘s reflections lead us towards a vision of architecture that focuses on harmony with the landscape, sustainability and respect for tradition. In a historical moment marked by the urgency to respond to climate challenges, his philosophy is a guide for designers and builders.
Diasen, with its innovative approach to natural materials and sustainable solutions, is a coherent and visionary interpreter of this perspective, offering tools and technologies that allow buildings to be realised in harmony with their urban and natural context.
