Memories and documents: a digital archive for a history under construction

The chapter describes the ideation of a digital archive that documents and contextualizes the history of design at Politecnico di Milano. Conceived for the Department of Design’s 30th anniversary, the project extends beyond commemoration, offering a structured approach to preserving and narrating design heritage. The initiative integrates a Knowledge Base and an archival system, enabling the collection, description, and interrelation of documents, events, and key figures. Through a dynamic and relational database, the archive fosters a participatory understanding of design history, capturing not only institutional milestones but also informal narratives and personal contributions. The platform balances technological adaptability with a human-centric approach, ensuring the accessibility of materials for future researchers and designers. By merging historical documentation with interpretative storytelling, Design Philology transforms archival materials into a living discourse that continues to shape the design culture of Politecnico di Milano.