A small guide to fifty years of architecture in Sardinia. Edited by Massimo Faiferri, with Elena Sommariva. Projects under construction selected by Fabrizio Asara, Giuseppe Vallifuoco

The projects shown in this itinerary represent an extreme extraction of what has been going on in Sardinia in the architectural ambit during the past 50 years. Without doubt, it would deserve some refining. Our intention was to cover the full length and breadth of Sardinia and catalogue works of architecture that are meaningful in reference to their location and year of construction. The particular characteristics of the Sardinian landscape have always had an impact on visitors to the island. If looked at carefully, its seemingly simple appearance will reveal a hidden complexity from which an enigmatic, archaic and in some ways prehistoric land emerges. These qualities have the ability to rouse people from the lethargy of the senses that is induced by most contemporary urban habitats. The landscape of Sardinia has consciously or unconsciously been the departure point (or point of arrival) of almost all the projects presented in this itinerary. Some of them represent great exchange with their surroundings, establishing an environmentally driven relationship with the landscape. I’m referring to the vacation houses of Zanuso, Boeri, Riva and Ponis. Other times, buildings contested the landscape, but in a constructive way, such as with Rossi’s buildings in Olbia and Arassociati’s work in Cagliari. A number of examples are built in an urban context, especially in Cagliari, which is as yet the only real city on the island. Since the ‘50s, the city of Cagliari has wished to substantiate its political role as the region’s capital through its architecture. Back then there were Libera’s housing blocks and the first significant high-rises like the Enel building by Ghò. Then there were urban transformations such as the monumental stairs to the Bonaria church, and more recently, the Tiscali headquarters. That is why so many projects needed to be included in this itinerary. Other towns are in evolution on the island: Olbia has its buildings by Maciocco and Rossi; in Sassari there is the Badas pavilion. Even several minor villages feature noteworthy singularities, like Lino’s work and a few projects by Studio Professionisti Associati. Of particular interest are tourism-oriented projects. In addition to the above-mentioned vacation houses, we find the holiday apartments of Porto Massimo, the resorts by Vittoria and Rebecchini, Vietti’s first complex in Porto Cervo, and others along the Costa Smeralda. These projects are proof reminding us of how it is possible to conceive holiday housing that incorporates innovation and quality. Massimo Faiferri Massimo Faiferri, is based in Cagliari. He is an architect and teaches Architectural Design at the Faculty of Architecture in Alghero.