The Architecture of Pica Ciamarra Associati

Since 1970, based in an isolated building situated on the peninsulaof Posillipo, Pica Ciamarra Associati (www.pcaint.eu) has acted asa laboratory of architectural and urban design which has graduallyincorporated new members and new energies over the time: usinga multidisciplinary approach, the roots of the architectural practicelie in the intensive theoretical and practical work begun in the early1960s by Massimo Pica Ciamarra. Since then the practice has beenmarked by a continuous relationship with Le Carré Bleu - Feuilleinternationale d'architecture and leading members of the culturalmilieu of Team 10: this has led to constant attention to everythingthat lies beyond form, to the relation ship with contexts that alsoinclude non-spatial contexts, and to high levels of integration anddialectical discussion. According to Pica Ciamarra Associati, adesign transcends the approaches of a single sector, providingsimultaneous solutions to contradictory requirements, combiningutopia and practicality. The poetics of the fragment: it mediatesbetween architecture and the urban dimension; some designs alsohave the aim of becoming absorbed within a context as »informedfragments«.This monograph is the result of an intensive period of work andconsists of two interacting parts. It stems from research into thearchive of the studio Pica Ciamarra and conversation with the membersof the architectural practice. Organised diachronically, the booktells the long story, unfolding over a period of over fifty years of ateam of Neapolitan architects and designers, who have maintainedthe lively spirit of the practice which is still geared towards the future.The textual and iconographic account tells a story and offersan interpretation that highlight the vibrant atmosphere of the studio,based on a consistency of thought and action, and fuelled by aninterest in many different forms of knowledge. The contextualisationof the events related to the studio, as they unfolded over time, iswide-ranging,