Rationality commonly associated with the modern project is often subverted by the
irresistible fascination provoked by technique among its most qualified actors. The ease of the
Atlantropa project, developed by the German Hermann Sorgel between 1927 and 1952, serves as an example
of this. Taking elements from Fordism and Taylorism, Atlantropa participates in the visionary currents
which at the 5tart of the twentieth century, trusted in technological progress aimed at a
reconfiguration of the world and society, wiping out the past and proposing the emancipation of human
beings from Nature. In the case studies generated by Sbrgels team it is possible to appreciate the
double sidedness of this enterprise, proving the ambivalence of positivist fervour to rigorously justify
the drying of the Mediterranean while, clouded by desire, proposing the creation of surreal and sublime
urban scenarios making use of the opportunity for change offered by the descent of the waters.
