The Architecture of the Periphery: An insight into the work of Aldo Rossi and its current relevance to the recent developments in the northern periphery of Madrid

Abstract

This article analyses the recent development of the periphery in Madrid within the context of Aldo Rossi’s seminal book The Architecture of the City. The objective of this article is to emphasise the importance and relevance of Rossi’s work within today’s context, and to highlight his work as a tool with which to understand the current peripheral developments across Europe. Secondly, the article examines some of the challenges left by Rossi’s work and looks at some of the critical work undertaken since the 1960’s.This is followed by a more specific look at the work of the most recent theorists working within the context of Madrid itself ( Abalos & Herreros) and considers them in light of Rossi’s work. The article finally tests this theoretical approach (theory) before looking at the (project) most recent development in the northern periphery of Madrid (2008-2017). The article concludes with some insights into the application of Rossi’s work today and highlights the current relevance of his work in relation to the continuing peripheral developments across Europe. Critically, the article is structured around the importance of the relationship between theory and project, as this tension was critical to the group La Tendenza, to which Rossi himself belonged.