In the Architect’s Shoes

Mussolini’s zeal for centralization was pervasive. Especially as concerned public works in Rome, his inclination to intervene, not only in political choices, but also in minor and at times insignificant administrative issues, was evident. The dictator felt he had to decide everything personally, an approach determined by his innate scepticism and his mistrust in other people, combined with an overblown belief in his own intellectual skills and political insight.¹ His exuberant individualism was also apparent in the many projects that required his personal approval. But what exactly did this approval entail? Was it merely a matter of image, a formality?