The interpretation of the vernacular in the modern work of Gherardo Bosio: the Albanian experience

Abstract

[EN] The essay investigates the relationship between some exponents of the Modern Movement and their architectural expression with the vernacular tradition. Gherardo Bosio (1903-1941) was one of the most emblematic architects of the modern transformation of Tirana. His work represents the desire to construct the image of the new city while preserving the relationship with the characters and values of tradition. Bosio's work can be ascribed to the particular trend of the Modern Movement that works in continuity with time, tradition and context. The material and immaterial cultural value of these architectures, in addition to the loss of part of the historical vernacular heritage that happens in some cases, represents the chance for the community to recognize and identify itself in a given historical and cultural contest. The relevance of the knowledge and enhancement of these assets aims to preserve the identity of a community from a process of globalization and homologation that is destroying its traces. The studio investigates the architecture of Gherardo Bosio, in his experience in Tirana. Significant in this work is the reference and reinterpretation of the vernacular Albanian Kulla. This is typical Albanian architecture, a sort of tower-house, built with compact forms and a massive character. It was oriented towards defence against possible enemy attacks. The essay investigates the contribution of vernacular architecture in some cases of Modern culture, in an effort to identify a national identity: a modernity that brings together past and future, tradition and innovation. Today, with the right distance in time, these architectures represent the contribution of the Modern in the writing of the palimpsest. These works are relevant in the definition and recognition of the characters on which to structure the values of society. The dissemination of knowledge and appreciation is useful in the constitution of a sense of local community.