This book has been designed to present several Ipostudio architecture projects produced in different periods that feature assonances and shared conceptual characteristics and principles. Ipostudio is a working group that was founded in Florence forty years ago. It carries out architectural design in the sphere of civil architecture, specialising in the areas of social and health structures, schools, special types of residence, and social housing. The works presented in this book are stillborn projects that never saw the light. Now, many years later, it seems only fair to give them another chance and, in a sense, a new life. The primary intention of this book is to tell the story of the origin and development of the design process. What do these stillborn projects tell us? They have a great advantage: they will never be put to the test of reality but will remain a potential of outstanding ideas. Almost all the projects presented were conceived as entries in Italian and international architecture competitions. The book is divided into six chapters addressing various aspects of architectural composition through the critical interpretation of a series of works.

Carlo Terpolilli is architect and professor at the University of Florence, where he teaches Technology of Architecture. From 2004 to 2006 he was visiting Professor at IUAV summer workshops in Venice. He is founder partner of Ipostudio Architects, in Florence since 1983.