The importance of local resources in times of economic hardship

The core concept in the lecture is that there is an analogy between biological evolution and the evolution of materials and objects. An investigation of 1930s Italian design and material culture embraces this idea and expands on the following points: - The importance of exploiting local resources and innovating with products in times of economic hardship.- The parallels between the ‘green economy’ and the ‘economic autarky’ in Italy from the early 1930s onwards.- The cyclical process in which types of objects that stand the test of time are continually given fresh, contemporary shapes thanks to the use of innovative materials.The period of autarky in Italy is a topical case study in these times of economic hardship, and this will be demonstrated with examples of architecture, design and the many inventions that were born out of necessity.