After the ceremony, a conference is to take place on the subject of “architecture and the city ”, a favourite theme of the architect who has his own strong ideas about how to regenerate the contemporary city, despite the fact that they go somewhat against the grain: “The city isn’t a ring, full around the edge (the suburbs) and empty in the middle (the historic centre) – he explained in a recent interview – we need to put a stop to projects that empty urban centres whilst favouring new developments in the suburbs”.
The British architect – who lives and works in London where in 1977 he founded his practice, the Richard Rogers Partnership that now has offices in Barcelona and Tokyo – has a special link with the capital of Tuscany. He was in fact born there in 1933, the son of Anglo-Italian parents and returned there in 1982 to work on a design to regenerate the banks of the Arno with Claudio Cantella. In terms of Florence’s situation, Rogers has a clear idea, “Florence has to decide once and for all whether it wants to be an open air museum or a real city. It’s future depends on this choice”. E.S.
22.10.2004, h 16,30
Richard Rogers: Laurea Honoris Causa
Aula Magna dell’Università di Firenze
Piazza San Marco 4