URBAN RENAISSANCE

   
TRIENNALE II EXHIBITION OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM

URBAN RENAISSANCE - CATALOGUE

The subject is among the current priorities: how to recover the historical character of the city and transform the modern suburbs into true cities.

This book, which accompanies the URBAN RENAISSANCE exhibition, proves that not only this goal could be easily reached, but that a great deal has already been achieved in this field in more than thirty European and American model-cities, thanks to the work of prominent architects and the personal contribution of The Prince of Wales.

The result is a fascinating review of new architectural and urbanistic trends towards an effective improvement of the quality of urban life.

This catalogue presents the cultural orientation of historians and the works of architects who have been invited to display their projects at the Triennale II International Exhibition of Architecture and Urbanism, which is organized under the high patronage of the President of the Italian Republic, the University of Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna Regional Government.

To H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES who has so sensitively interpreted the expectations and revived the hopes of so many young architects while encouraging and honoring the exhibition with his presence on the 22nd March 1996, The Hon. Rector of the University of Bologna, Prof. Fabio A. Roversi Monaco, the Scientific Committee and the Organizing Committee of A vision of Europe sends him an expression of respect and admiration.

The A Vision of Europe Committee was created in 1992 on the initiative of a group of professors and researchers of the University of Bologna with the aim to establish an international cultural network devoted to the promotion of the architectural and urbanistic debate through the organization of editorial initiatives, exhibitions, conferences, etc. Its activity is accompanied by the publication of a quarterly architectural magazine A&C International with a prominent scientific committee.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS - TO FRIENDS AND CITIES

This book could not be realized without the generous contribution of so many people that I would like to warmly thank for their patience, suggestions, and encouragement, as well as the many venues that helped us to meet and discuss together.

First of all Leon Krier and Maurice Culot who assisted me in the whole project, sharing with me the exciting discovery of such a wide series of intelligent works in the field of designing, constructing, and loving beautiful cities. Paris, Biarritz, and Claviers have hosted us friendly .

Richard Economakis and Michael Lykoudis have participated to the project since the very beginning by providing me with material, information, and opportunities to proceed further. Washington D.C., Koroni, and Chicago gave us the right inspiration.

Jorge Hernandez, Charles Barrett, Jean François Lejeune, Roberto Behar, Andres Duany introduced me to the "Caribbean" world of Coral Gables and Florida. Their help has been unique as well as the sunset of Miami, the bistro in Coconut Grove, and the magic atmosphere of Villa Vizcaya.

I am in debt with Caroline Mierop, Brian Hanson, Demetri Porphyrios, Philippe Rotthier, David Watkin, Thomas Gordon Smith for their precious suggestions and support. Bruxelles and London offered the metropolitan framework.

To all the organizers of "The Art of Building Cities" Exhibition and Conference (Chicago, July 8 - August 25, 1995) I owe a special thanks for the opportunity to participate in a fundamental event in the process of New Renaissance.

Finally, I would like to particularly thank my father and all the friends in Bologna who contributed to the realization of the TRIENNALE II EXHIBITION OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM "A VISION OF EUROPE", with a special thanks to Piero Grazia of the Chamber of Commerce and Francesco Gencarelli of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Government.

A Vision of Europe
Viale Risorgimento 2 - 40136 Bologna Italy - Tel: 0039-051-656 9392  Fax: 0039-051-656 8778
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