Design: COMA (Cornelia Blatter & Marcel Hermans)
Publisher: NAi Publishers
Language: English/Italian

Hardcover
Print details: 24 x 22 cm
Pages: 280
ISBN 90-5662-279-x

Description:

In 1996, the North Italian port city of Genoa invited a team of internationally renowned architects to develop a masterplan for the city, followed by a competition to redesign an ancient pier in its historic port. UNS won the competition with a proposal for a three-dimensional plaza, envisioned as a vibrant new heart for both the port and the city.

This book explores and analyses the various projects, offering insights into the work of some of today’s most influential designers. Through essays by critics, the publication places both design stages into a broader context, asking critical questions: Can a city like Genoa compete in the global race for city branding? What role do architects play in shaping this narrative?

Examining perspectives from economy, sociology, history, urbanism, and architecture, the book delves into the ambitions of a city striving to balance its rich heritage with the demands of globalisation.