Interni Annual Contract 2011 is the start of a series of new developments that make us particularly proud and make this issue more variegated, in terms of sections and content, than previous editions. First of all, we discuss the major works under construction around the world: we met with the leading national and foreign architecture firms to find out about their current projects. The result is a section that offers a fine selection of the main works now being built: we start in Milan, which is certainly going through an intense period of growth in terms of architecture and urban planning. Then we look at projects underway in the rest of Italy, in Europe and the other continents.

Two special features are devoted to very timely themes: real estate, with the virtuous example of Jesolo, which starting with a masterplan by Kenzo Tange in 1997 (one of the last works of the great Japanese architect) has developed a new architectural theme park with works by the likes of Richard Meier, Jean Nouvel, Zaha Hadid and many others, to revive a town that was too closely linked with its image as a “seaside resort”. Then we look at industrial architecture, with examples that concentrate on energy savings and new energy sources: even factories, if they are well designed, can contribute to the richness of the architectural language and the territory in which we live. Finally, a special we hope will become a more important part of our Annual Contract, on the subject of Social Housing.

A new form of subsidized real estate development aimed at young couples, students, separated people, singles, in short that whole, varied social congeries that has been growing in the western world for some time now, and in these years of economic crisis has problems finding suitable shelter. Social housing works to guarantee houses at reasonable prices with a good standard of construction and a series of essential services. Examples of excellence in Europe and also in Italy, to approach a problem that can no longer be postponed. - Caption pag. 6 Euro Space in Libin-Transinne, Belgium, with roofing and sunscreens made with solar panels. Project by Philippe Samyn and Partners. Photo by Marie-Francoise Plissart.

Gilda Bojardi