Inflatable architecture. Short critical history of uses in architecture

The pandemic crisis, as a turning point in recent history, has caused existing resources to be mobilized in a short time and triggered the emergence of unique approaches to spatial reorganization. With their formal freedom, unlimited adaptability and short production cycle times, lightweight inflatable or pneumatic structures, which are still in the midst of a technological boom, are an undeniable source of inspiration for today's crisis adaptation. Beyond pragmatic features such as ergonomics, protection and cleanliness, a variety of stylistic approaches can be identified, ranging from small-scale, minimal interventions in interior architecture, to large-scale, urban interventions. The article reviews the sources of inspiration that cross time and space, moving from the utopias of the 1960s to the emergency projects of the 21st century, with the aim of highlighting, through the broad spectrum of solutions, a direction to follow in architecture adapted to crisis solutions. Inflatable structures still fascinate, having the potential to be symbolic in any context.