Chiasso Ponte Chiasso: integration

Diploma 2020

Accademia di architettura, Università della Svizzera italiana

With the 2020 Diploma, directed by Professor Muck Petzet, the USI Academy of architecture in Mendrisio has continued its customary research into the territory of Ticino and the neighbouring Italian region. The set topic was extremely interesting: the border towns of Chiasso (Switzerland) and Como (Italy). The work focused on Ponte Chiasso which forms the border area between the two cities, to analyse the territory  and assess the different situations and related sites. The work examined the specific economic and social implications, infrastructures and differences (of currency, laws and political articulations). One hundred and forty-one students addressed specific topics related to Chiasso Ponte Chiasso focusing on different topics: Pending Architectures; Chiasso Ponte Chiasso. The City by Necessity; The Territory of the Insubrian City; Bonjour Chiasso. Two Projects; Urban Reuse in Chiasso Ponte Chiasso;
Thresholds and Shelters; Cross-Border Centrality; Physics of Culture; All. The Cultural Imagery of Energy; Transformations on Corso San Gottardo; Border – Frontier; Building on the Highway; Chiasso Ponte Chiasso. Integration; School of Textile Arts in Chiasso.
The students, divided into 14 Ateliers, were guided by teachers who are among the most renowned professionals internationally.

The exhibition at the Spazio Officina in spin-off with the Academy of Architecture will be an opportunity to stimulate public debate and reflect on possible scenarios for the future.

Exhibition curated by
Professor Muck Petzet