Movie Night - Aldo Rossi Design
Fiona Mckay
Photo Credit: Chris Musangi, AIA
We started the Autumn movie screenings with a sold-out, full-capacity showing of Aldo Rossi Design on 21st of October 2025. The evening celebrated the life and work of Aldo Rossi — a leading figure of the Neo-Rationalist movement and one of the most influential architectural thinkers of the 20th century. Recognised for his profound contributions to architectural theory, particularly through his seminal book The Architecture of the City, Rossi redefined the way architects understand urban form, memory, and the collective identity of place.
His work, deeply rooted in his native northern Italy, reflects a fascination with the simplicity of geometric form and a poetic connection to history. Projects such as the hauntingly beautiful San Cataldo Cemetery in Modena and the ethereal Teatro del Mondo, a floating theatre constructed for the Venice Biennale, exemplify his ability to merge timeless archetypes with contemporary design sensibilities.
The documentary not only explored Rossi’s designs and their enduring influence but also provided a fascinating look at the relationships he fostered throughout his career. Architect Daniel Libeskind, a frequent interviewee in the film, offered thoughtful reflections on his time working with Rossi. Their relationship was one of mentorship and inspiration — Libeskind has often credited Rossi as a guiding influence on his architectural philosophy and even paid homage to him in later works, such as his miniature “water tower” for Alessi, which reinterprets one of Rossi’s iconic urban artefacts.
Through archival footage, rare design prototypes, and intimate commentary, Aldo Rossi Design offered an absorbing window into the mind of a true modern master. The 40-minute documentary was concise yet impactful — short, succinct, and wonderfully effective in conveying Rossi’s depth of vision. The screening concluded with a lively discussion, with many attendees expressing their wish that the film had been longer.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening and for your continued support of our movie night series.
Written by Chris Musangi, AIA
