We are pleased to announce an upcoming "brown bag lunch lecture" hosted by Steven Semes, Professor of Architecture and Faculty Affiliate of the Center for Italian Studies. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted work of Gustavo Giovannoni.
Gustavo Giovannoni (1873-1947) was recognized during his lifetime as the central personality in the architectural culture of Italy in the first half of the twentieth century. A complete biographical portrait would depict a multi-disciplinary career that embodied his ideal of the architetto integrale-the complete architect —a leader in architectural and urban design, architectural history, conservation of buildings and cities, public advocacy, legislation, and education.
Today, he is regarded internationally as among the founders of the modern conservation movement, though his achievements in several related fields have been undervalued. In recent decades, his work and career have undergone critical re-assessment by scholars, especially in Italy, and their research has unveiled a body of work that is timely and relevant to our present environmental crises, lending new interest to his ideal.