Colour applications in architecture

The department of Architecture and Urban Design recently hosted two guest lecturers from Italy, who delivered a series of lectures on the design and conservation of buildings.

Professor Paolo Brescia from Cromoambiente Italia lectured to second year Bachelor of Engineering and Architecture Honours students on colour applications in architecture, with particular reference to school and medical care buildings.

Professor Brescia also gave a well attended public lecture on the theme 'Come il colore vive e modifica l'architettura' at the Italian Cultural Institute in Valletta. This lecture was introduced by Dr Anna Maria di Marco, director of the Institute, and Professor Denis De Lucca, head of the department of Architecture and Urban Design, who gave a brief outline of Professor Brescia's considerable achievement in Italy.

The second guest lecturer was Professor Jukka Jokilehto, a Finnish architect based in Rome, who served as assistant director-general of ICCROM, where he was responsible for setting up an international course on architectural conservation.

Currently a consultant for ICOMOS and UNESCO involved in the nomination of World Heritage sites, Professor Jokilehto gave a series of lectures to second and fourth year BE&A (Hons) students about diverse matters concerning conservation.

He also gave a public lecture at the Aula Magna of the old University building in Valletta, organised by architect Shirley Cefai who co-ordinates conservation teaching and learning programmes in the department.

Next month, the Department of Architecture and Urban Design is hosting Professor Roberto Semprini from the Accademia Brera in Milan, who will be delivering a lecture to BE&A (Hons) students on avant-garde design in Italy.