University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture professor Stephanie Pilat recently co-authored an article with Oklahoma State University architecture professor Paolo Sanza. Published in a special issue of the journal Childhood in the Past, their article “Architectural Pragmatism and Poetry: Childhood in Fascist Era Summer Camps” examines the ways in which fascist-era summer camps in Italy constructed rituals of childhood.
Abstract:
During the Fascist rule in Italy (1922–43), the regime sponsored and encouraged the construction of thousands of children’s summer camps or colonie (singular colonia) as part of a mission to shape the physical bodies and minds of the youngest citizens of the nation. Although the colonia building type originated in the nineteenth century, the regime adapted the type to their aims and constructed thousands of new camps throughout Italy, from the Alps to the shorelines of rivers, lakes, and seas. Some were tiny, no more than basic shelters; others resembled small cities. Many are known for their simple lines, profound conceptual gestures, and for fostering majestic and remarkable childhood experiences.
This paper analyses three colonie, in Cesenatico, Cattolica, and Legnano, to understand how the regime’s desire to create the Fascists of the future was translated into built form(s) by an array of young architects.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture announces John Harris as Associate Dean for Research ad interim, effective Aug. 25, 2026, until the permanent position is filled.
Gibbs College is pleased to announce the 2026 Gibbs College Faculty & Staff Awards recipients. These individuals were recognized by Dean Butzer during the Gibbs College Back to School Meeting and will be honored during the Celebration Banquet in October. They were nominated by their colleagues via an open nomination process.
Telesis, the Gibbs College of Architecture’s student journal, has been awarded a grant from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts to support its next two issues, “Pause” (Volume IX) and “React” (Volume X).
