The Global Inheritance of Forlì as Paradigm of Italian Modernity

In the years between the two World Wars, Italy hosted a building process which recorded an unprecedented architectural production if considered in relation to the time frame of its realisation. Within this framework, Fascism promoted giving shape to Italian modernity which embraced the ferments of the Modern Movement, though advocating a specific reference to the country. Forlì – the provincial capital of the land where Benito Mussolini was born – represents a paradigm of the architectural activism which implemented the construction of Italian modernity. As catalytic locus of Mussolini’s attention, Forlì underwent a major renovation during the Fascist period that radically transformed the face of the city which had to interface not only with the local culture and tradition, but also with the Italian autarchic phenomenon. This event had a profound effect on the way of building. However, it was precisely the consequent prolific search for new materials, as well as available resources in the territory and innovative techniques, that led to the construction of highly experimental and significant buildings. This paper presents the above-mentioned issues and clarifies them by making reference to three emblematic works of architecture – the Casa del Balilla, the Industrial Technical Institute and the Aeronautical College – built along the Forlì railway station avenue, the majestic access route to the so-called “city of the Duce”. By referring to the global inheritance of Forlì, the purpose is to underline how a local modernity, highly iconic but extremely variegated, constitutes a collective heritage to be transmitted to the future.