ABSTRACT
The activity of the construction company founded by engineer Rodolfo Stoelcker, of German origin and training, represents a case of particular interest in that it traces the entry, stabilization and “fortunes” of the use of reinforced concrete in Italy during the first half of the 20th century.
Reconstructing the entrepreneur’s professional career (based mainly on his ability to acquire significant public orders) sheds light on the context he operated in, which was defined on the one hand by political-economic and social transformations - heavily marked by two world wars and the 20 years of the Fascist regime - and on the other by the strong competition and linguistic and technological research in the use of reinforced concrete as the “new” construction material, capable of supporting fast infrastructure development in the territory and its cities, the latter in full urban expansion and demographic growth.
Stoelcker’s activities took place in various Italian cities, but it was Rome - particularly during the 20-year Fascist period - that was the centre and base of his enterprise and from where his major public appointments came.
