Archigram was a revolutionary group in the world of architecture that emerged in the 1960s. Their proposals and reflections were considered radical and challenging at the time. The founding members, Peter Cook, David Greene and Mike Webb, began by publishing an amateur magazine called Archigram. This name was a combination of the words 'architecture' and 'telegram', reflecting the idea of conveying a message through architecture.

As the group grew, they were joined by other talented architects such as Ron Herron, Dennis Crompton and Warren Chalk. Together they began to explore new ways of thinking about and designing architecture, challenging established conventions and seeking a more dynamic and flexible approach.

One of the most prominent aspects of Archigram's work was its rejection of the historical legacy and its critique of the static rigidity of architecture and the city. At a time of pop culture euphoria, the group sought to break with tradition and explore new technological possibilities. Using new materials and techniques, Archigram imagined a future in which the formal limitations of traditional architecture would be overcome.

Archigram's drawings were works of art in their own right. They used collage, comic symbols and other expressive elements to convey their ideas. These drawings anticipated the information revolution and created a striking visual language. Their projects included camouflaged structures, folding modules, habitable capsules and folding planes, all powered by electrical mechanisms that allowed them to move and adapt to different environments.

Archigram's intention was to create new architectural forms in unconventional places, such as on water or in space. Their approach was bold and challenging, and they sought to break with established conventions to create a more dynamic and exciting urban environment.

The group also embraced the consumerist logic of the time and saw architecture as interchangeable and disposable. They saw architecture as an industrial product that could be mass-produced and discarded over time. This defiant and radical vision was one of the main reasons why Archigram was recognised and celebrated by architectural critics.

As the group's popularity grew, so did their influence in the architectural community. Archigram was invited to participate in the Living City exhibition in 1963, which gave them even more visibility and recognition. From then on, the group was considered a working collective under the name of the magazine.

Archigram's work has left a lasting legacy in the world of architecture. Their ideas and proposals have influenced later generations of architects and opened up new design possibilities. Although some of their ideas may seem utopian or even outlandish, Archigram was a visionary group that challenged established conventions and sought a more dynamic and flexible approach to architecture.

Marcelo Gardinetti