Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The library at Casa Italia hosted two presentations this spring by Dino Fabrizi, an Italian architect who possesses in-depth knowledge about ancient Roman architecture and design.
Fabrizi’s first presentation focused on Rome then and now, exploring the extent to which the city has remained the same despite centuries of change. He revealed how much of ancient Rome’s infrastructure is still standing and even functional, from its roads and theaters to its aqueducts, drainage systems and baths. Some places have found new life, he noted, becoming something else while retaining their original vocation.
In his second presentation, Fabrizi discussed the important role Emperor Adriano (Hadrian) played as an urban planner. At Villa Adriana, he noted, the emperor created new types of spatial environments where curves combine with straight lines, ideas that were rediscovered by Baroque artists of the 17th century, such as Francesco Borromini.
Fabrizi studied at the Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza” and has preserved and restored ancient monuments throughout the city and surrounding area, including the Roman Forum, Campidoglio and buildings along the Via Appia, as well as Villa Adriana.
A specialist in monument restoration, Fabrizi was given the responsibility of restoring the villa, which he did over the course of three years with the aid of two other craftsmen. He and his family now call Chicago home, and he says it is his second favorite city in the world.
