On the Postwar Italian Design System: Challenges for a 21st-Century Widespread Heritage

This essay reconsiders the notion of cultural heritage by expanding it to include post-war Italian design, a key influence on the country's modern identity. The analysis stems from Italy’s 1980s debates on cultural and industrial heritage, juxtaposed with recent legislative developments that recognize items over 70 years old as significant cultural assets. This comprehensive approach underscores the need for traditional institutions, such as museums and archives, to adopt innovative methods for preserving and promoting design artifacts within sustainable frameworks. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the digital transformation of museums, emphasizing the importance of combining physical and virtual experiences to enhance public engagement. The essay also highlights successful community-driven initiatives and collaborative networks that integrate cultural heritage with local identities and tourism, promoting a holistic preservation strategy. Ultimately, the essay argues for a multifaceted approach to safeguarding and valorizing Italian design heritage, ensuring its relevance in the contemporary era.