A Critical Reading of 20th Century Heritage

The Case of Palazzo del Lavoro, Turin

Abstract

The architectural heritage of the 20^th century reflects a transformative period in design and building techniques, as exemplified by structures like the Palazzo del Lavoro, which embody the transition between traditional methods and modernist experimentation. This paper aims to analyze the building in order to understand how its structural innovations, material choices, and formal composition interact with its urban context and reflect broader cultural and historical shifts. The study combines documentary research, morphological analysis, and urban contextual assessment to provide a critical reading of the building's architectural and structural features. The analysis highlights the Palazzo's innovative structural system, the integration of reinforced concrete with lightweight canopies, and its compositional strategies that balance functionality and aesthetics. Furthermore, the study addresses the building's current state as a fragile piece of heritage, facing challenges related to preservation and adaptive reuse. By examining its technical and cultural significance, this research demonstrates how the Palazzo del Lavoro stands as a testament to engineering and architectural innovation and also offers insights into the evolving identity of post-war Turin and the broader discourse on modern heritage.