In Memoriam: Paolo Portoghesi
At this time, we bid farewell to Paolo Portoghesi, a outstanding Italian architect, theorist, historian, and esteemed professor of structure on the Sapienza College of Rome. Paolo Portoghesi, a outstanding determine within the architectural world, handed away on Might 30, 2023, on the age of 91. His lifelong dedication to the sphere of structure, his invaluable contributions as an educational, and his profound affect on architectural concept and apply have left an indelible mark on the career.
Born in Rome in 1931, Paolo Portoghesi grew up within the shadow of the Pantheon and was captivated by the great thing about structure from a younger age. He launched into his architectural journey on the College of Structure on the Sapienza College of Rome in 1950, the place he immersed himself within the research of the constructed setting. Portoghesi died at his residence in Calcata, a picturesque, cliffside metropolis north of Rome.
Paolo Portoghesi portrait | picture by way of Il Corriere della Città
header picture La Chiesa della Sacra Famiglia in Salerno (1971) © Cédric Dasesson
architect, historian, and educator
Portoghesi’s ardour for architectural historical past led him to embark on an illustrious profession as an educator. In 1961, he commenced educating the historical past of criticism on the Sapienza College of Rome, the place he shared his data and impressed numerous college students. In 1964, Portoghesi co-founded an architectural apply in Rome alongside architect-engineer Vittorio Gigliotti, forging a path that will additional solidify his fame as an influential architect.
Whereas Portoghesi specialised within the research of Classical structure, with a specific concentrate on Baroque structure and the works of Borromini and Michelangelo, his pursuits prolonged past the confines of the previous. Alongside his colleague Bruno Zevi, he championed a extra natural type of modernism, drawing inspiration from the works of Victor Horta and Frank Lloyd Wright. In Italy, he embraced neorealism and the Liberty fashion, imbuing his personal architectural creations with a harmonious mix of custom and innovation.
Mosque and Islamic Cultural Middle in Rome (1984-95) | picture by way of visitlazio
Portoghesi’s affect prolonged far past his educating and apply. From 1979 to 1992, he served because the president of the architectural part of the Venice Biennale, the place he curated exhibitions and fostered dialogue on the evolution of architectural thought. Moreover, he assumed the position of Editor-in-chief of the esteemed journal ‘Controspazio’ from 1969 to 1983, additional contributing to architectural discourse and sharing his insights with a broader viewers. His tenure because the dean of the College of Structure on the Politecnico di Milano college from 1968 to 1978 showcased his management and dedication to shaping the way forward for architectural training.
La Chiesa della Sacra Famiglia in Salerno (1971) | picture © Cédric Dasesson
the postmodern pioneer
In 1980, on the Venice Biennale, Portoghesi curated an exhibition titled “The Current of the Previous” devoted to postmodern structure. Following its show in Paris and San Francisco, the exhibition successfully showcased a synthesis of the assorted traits inside postmodern structure at the moment. With a each day attendance of over 2000 guests, the exhibition was a public success, though it generated heated debates amongst specialists. However, it sparked a large number of publications on the topic, marking the emergence of a complete theoretical groundwork for postmodern structure.
Il Teatro Politeama, Catanzaro (2002) © Nicholas Gemini
A Visionary and Advocate for Nature
All through his illustrious profession, Paolo Portoghesi constantly demonstrated a profound appreciation for nature and its integration throughout the constructed setting. His e book, ‘Nature and Structure,’ printed in 2000, exemplifies his dedication to exploring the intrinsic relationship between the pure world and architectural design. His architectural initiatives replicate a deep understanding of the vital connection between the human expertise and the encompassing setting, a testomony to his holistic method to design.
With the passing of Paolo Portoghesi, the architectural neighborhood mourns the lack of a visionary and a superb thoughts. His unwavering dedication to the research of architectural historical past, his revolutionary method to design, and his influential position as an educator have left an indelible legacy. Paolo Portoghesi’s profound affect on the sphere of structure will proceed to encourage future generations of architects and students to push the boundaries of creativity and search concord between custom and progress. At this time, as we bid farewell to this outstanding particular person, we honor Paolo Portoghesi’s immeasurable contributions to structure and his enduring legacy that may proceed to form the constructed setting for years to come back.
