A radical didactic experiment. The Italian experience of Global Tools (1973–1975)

This paper is a historical study that focalises on a specific educational programme developed in Italy between 1973 and 1975 and structured through a diffuse system of laboratories. Despite its short life, Global Tools represents an emblematic experimental activity based on the concepts of sustainability, multi-disciplinarity, co-design and political and social engagement. The paper presents this experience through three levels of discussion, using the magazine “Casabella” as the main source to trace its history: framing the activity of Global Tools in relation to the promotional initiatives of the Italian Radical movement; contextualising the didactic programme within the evolution of the national educational system in the design field; individuating its advanced traits in terms of vision, topics and tools.