Catalogue of the exhibition at the Fondazione Cini in Venice about the history of countries and cities looking eastwards across the world from Italy, which represents the central hub around which the journey’s narrative is based.
It describes the experiences of Italian travellers and architects whose unique ability in interpreting these places, their identity and culture, have generated narratives to provide previously unknown visions of the countries that welcomed them. The aim of the book is to analyse territories that have undergone profound social, political and urban transformations over the past 30 years, in comparison to a complex post-idealogical period that demanded singular visions and solutions. Six internationally famous Italian experts – Renzo Piano, Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, Archea Associati, Piuarch, Michele De Lucchi and Mario Cucinella – show their works, and in particular, projects closely focussed on Russia, China, Albania, Georgia and Vietnam. Each country and its narrative is compared to its collective historical imaginary, presented through invaluable material from the Cini Foundation archives and contemporary Italian architecture, providing unexpected encounters that engage the visitor and emphasise the significance of Italy’s contribution through the centuries.