Arriving in Naples. This past April, Michael Blier, and Andrea Varutti were invited to Naples, Italy, by the University of Naples and the Architects Association of Naples to present on processes, procedures, and methods within the field of Landscape Architecture.
LAB.I.R.INT. Michael, Linda, and Andrea were greeted by friends and colleagues Dario Raguzzino, Ernesto Ortega de Luna, and Marinella Giuliano of LAB.I.R.INT Architecture + Landscape, with whom we collaborated during the 2020 international ideas competition of Bagnoli.
LAB.I.R.INT. architecture+landscape was founded in 2005 by architects Dario Raguzzino and Adele Spiezie.
In 2022, after several years of collaboration, architect Ernesto Ortega de Luna joined the studio, and in 2023 architect Marinella Giuliano, a specialist in landscape design, also joined the firm.
The firm deals with architecture, ranging from interior design to building design to interventions on built heritage, urban regeneration, and landscape design.
Bagnoli. An obvious first stop was a visit to the Bagnoli site, a western seaside quarter of Naples, and the location of the 2020 international ideas competition, of which our group was a finalist. The competition for the design of the new landscape of Bagnoli, including the plan for the new buildings, was the beginning of the collaboration between the Italian team and Landworks Studio and provided the opportunity for a comparison between the design approach of Landworks Studio and the traditional notions of landscape architecture from a European perspective.
The group then toured Naples's Pietra Santa underground aqueduct system with speleologist Lyca Cuttita and tasted the best of Neapolitan cuisine.
Conference with Architects Association of Naples. The following day, Michael and Andrea presented to the Architects Association of Naples during the conference on Landscape Architecture held at the Vasari Sacristy in Sant’Anna dei Lombardi, a stunning backdrop for a lively conversation between members, city officials, and associates. The conference kicked off with an introduction by the President of the Architects Association, Lorenzo Capobianco, followed by presentations from Donata Vizzino and Antonella Calligaris, representatives from the U.O.D. of the Campania Region.
Michael and Andrea discussed processes, procedures, and methods using case studies from 200 Fifth Avenue, the Bagnoli Competition, Dareen Hills Park, the Mangrove Museum Mountain to Bay Ecological Corridor, and Vertical Slice Garden. The conference concluded with a round table discussion and exchange of ideas.
Conference Participants
Lorenzo Capobianco, President of the Architects Association
Donata Vizzino, Director of U.O.D. Campania Region
Antonella Calligaris, U.O.D. Campania Region
Marco Borrelli, Professor of Interior Design at the University of Naples
Emma Buonadonno, Professor of Architecture at the University of Naples
University of Naples. Michael and Andrea then met with students and faculty at the University of Naples for a presentation about the office, the collaborative relationship with LAB.I.R.INT architecture + landscape, and our approach to design. The lecture initiated a new relationship with the University, where future workshops and presentations will be introduced as the school establishes a landscape architecture department differentiated from the standard architecture degree.
Seminar Participants
Ernesto Ortega de Luna, Professor of Architecture
Michelangelo Russo, Director of Architecture Emma Buondonno, Professor of Architecture and Urban Planning
Dora Francese, Professor of Architecture
Paola De Joanna, Professor of Architecture and Technology
Sightseeing. The crew wrapped up their visit to Naples by taking in some historical city highlights before departing for Milan.
Milan Design Week. The following few days were spent exploring Milan and the rich program of events, art installations, and open houses during Design Week and the Salone del Mobile. Throughout the week, historical palazzos are taken over by top designers to showcase their creative installations and newest inventions and innovations. The team met with new collaborators for some exciting projects on the horizon.
Thanks to all who helped facilitate this memorial trip and all who participated in a wonderful dialogue on design!
