Tubolar steel scaffolding for Italian fascist propaganda (1935-43)

This paper focuses on the evolution of the steel tubular scaffolding system in Italy, exploring its further use in temporary structures in the special context of fascist propaganda, with the aim of improving a dedicated history of scaffoldings and falseworks in the 20th century. In 1934, Italian entrepreneur Ferdinando Innocenti (1891-1966) filed a patent for a 'joining device for tubes forming parts of metal constructions'. The clamp, consisting of two hinged 'hats' and a 'core', allowed the frictional clamping of two steel orthogonal tubes. Compared to similar models available on the English and American markets, it featured an opening and clamping device that was the only one of its kind. In 1936, after the Italian invasion of Abyssinia and subsequent trade embargoes, Mussolini's domestic policy was subsumed by the push for autarky (strategic independence from foreign materials). In this economic framework, the use of steel in construction was limited and, in 1939, banned. However, tubular steel scaffoldings were too well suited to fascist propaganda structures to be on the blacklist of banned building materials. On the contrary, between 1936 and 1940, the Innocenti scaffolding perfectly suited the propaganda and war needs of urban scenography (temporary set-ups for public events) and military engineering. The Innocenti scaffolding was thus tested for significant structural performance, and it was completed by ad hoc design. Further elements were patented (i.e. special coupler and fastening devices), enriching the base components of the tube and coupler scaffolding system and securing its place in the history of prefabricated construction.