SUPERSTUDIO

Superstudio (1966-1986) was a Florentine group of avantgarde architects: Adolfo Natalini, Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, Roberto Magris, Gian Piero Frassinelli and Alessandro Magris (together with Alessandro Poli from 1970 to 1972) was one of the pioneers of what became known as Radical Architecture. and later endeavoured to try to achieve a form of anthropological rebirth of architecture.
A rare example of longevity amongst avantgarde groups, for twenty years they conducted patient research into the design of objects, environments and architecture itself, through projects and construction.

Superstudio (1966-1986) was a Florentine group of avantgarde architects: Adolfo Natalini, Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, Roberto Magris, Gian Piero Frassinelli and Alessandro Magris (together with Alessandro Poli from 1970 to 1972) was one of the pioneers of what became known as Radical Architecture. and later endeavoured to try to achieve a form of anthropological rebirth of architecture.
A rare example of longevity amongst avantgarde groups, for twenty years they conducted patient research into the design of objects, environments and architecture itself, through projects and construction.

Superstudio’s critical work has appeared through theoretical projects, such as “Architectural Histograms” , “A Catalogue of Villas, “The Continuous Monument”, “The Twelve Ideal Cities” and the series of films entitled ” The Fundamental Acts” (“Life, Education, Ceremony, Love, Death”).
From 1973 to 1975, he was part, as a co-founder, of “Global Tools”, a workshop system for the development of collective creativity.
From 1973 to 1978, he devoted himself to research and teaching, especially focalized on extra-urban material culture.
Superstudio’s work and writings has appeared in numerous publications and exhibitions throughout the world.
Main publications include: G. Pettena, “Superstudio 1966-1982, Storie, Figure, Architetture” Electa Firenze 1982, Superstudio e Moryama, “Superstudio & Radicals”, Japan Interior Inc.”, Tokyo 1982, P. Lang, W. Manking “Superstudio Life Without Objects” Skira Editore, Milano 2003.
Main exhibitions include: “Italy the new domestic landscape”, Museum of Modern Art, New York 1972, “Mindscapes, Sottsass & Superstudio” Walker Art Center, Minneapolis e altri sei musei americani, 1973, “Superstudio Fragmente aus einem personlichen Museum”, Neue Galerie Graz, Galerie nach St. Stephan Wien, Galerie in Taxis Palais, Innsbruck, “Superstudio Metaphors and allegories” Israel Museum, Jerusalem 1982, “Superstudio 1966-82” Galleria dell’Accademia, Firenze 1982, plus various participations in the Venice Biennale, the Triennale in Milan and also other major exhibitions on Radical Architecture from 1966 until today.
The work of Superstudio is included in the collections of many museums: Museum of Modern Art New York, Israel Museum Jerusalem, Deutsches Architekturmuseum Frankfurt am Main, Centre Pompidou Paris, MAXXI Roma.
The Archivio Superstudio (Superstudio Archive) was founded in 2001 to organize and conserve the Superstudio legacy and to curate exhibitions and publications on their work.
The travelling exhibition entitled “Superstudio: Life without objects” was shown at the Design Museum in London in 2003 (GB) and Pratt Art Gallery, Artists Space, Storefront New York (USA) in 2003, Williamson Gallery, Pasadena, Cal. (USA) and Vleeshal, Middelburg (NL) in 2004 and further venues are planned (Greece, Spain, China, Italy).

Adolfo Natalini (Pistoia 1941)
Cristiano Toraldo di Francia (Firenze 1941)
Roberto Magris (Firenze 1935-2003)
Gian Piero Frassinelli (Porto S. Giorgio, Ascoli Piceno 1939)
Alessandro Magris (Firenze 1941)
Alessandro Poli (Fiesole 1941)

Italy: The New Domestic Landascape
Emilio Ambasz
1972
The Museum of Modern Art, NY
Catalogue MOMA

Superstudio Life Without Objects
Peter Lang, William Menking
2003
Skira
Available online here
ISBN 888491569

Superstudio
Roberto Gargiani, Beatrice Lampariello
2010
Editore Laterza
Available online here

Superstudio La moglie di Lot
Valter Scelsi, Vittorio Pizzigoni, Andrea Zanderigo
2013
Asinello Press

info: 1 colour Risograph print, 32 pages, edition of 100

Superstudio La vita segreta del Monumento Continuo
Gabriele Mastrigli
2014
La Biennale di Venezia – Marsilio
Read online

Super Superstudio
Andreas Angelidakis, Vittorio Pizzigoni, Valter Scelsi
2015
Silvana Editoriale
Read online
ISBN 978-8836632442