CATANIA – The inspiration came from the agora of the Greek polis. From that place, which later became a political and economic model, which in ancient Greece was used to gather, discuss and find new paths to follow together. The occasion was “The Architect’s Party” which was held yesterday afternoon in the Etna headquarters of the Order.
On 24 June 1923 the profession of architect was established: 101 years from that date, it was decided to seat – side by side – various actors in the development of the metropolitan city of Catania, with the ambition of creating a comparison that can bring together all efforts in a shared and organic vision for the local relaunch project. And so it was. «The recent speech by maestro Riccardo Muti inspired us – he declared Veronica Leoneacting president OAPPC_CT (Order of Architects, Planners, Landscapers and Conservators of Catania) – an orchestra is made up of various musicians, but the contribution of all the instruments is needed for the result to be harmonious. We believe it should be the same within a city government. This year our category’s party has returned home. The Order wants to send a message, we would like to suggest the need to create opportunities for discussion and shared dialogue, in which different entities in synergy with each other play a single melody”. «The components of architecture are: firmitas (solidity), utilitas (function and destination), venustas (beauty) – he stated Eleonora Bonanno president of the Architects’ Foundation – Principles that are extremely feasible if you think about the works to be carried out in a city. Architects must return to being protagonists because they are capable and competent in carrying out a project. We need will, strategy and mutual solidarity: planning must return to having a predominant role. We need the relationship with architecture, we want to contribute with our work.” The interventions of the round table were moderated by Maurizio Spina (Associate Professor of Town and Country Planning, DiCAr – Di3A).
«This is a great idea from the Order to dedicate an afternoon to rethinking the city with a unitary project – declared the magnificent Unict rector Francesco Priolo – when a university student chooses a city to live in, where to grow, in which to establish their social relationships, they imagine an interconnected city, a city where great weight is given to sustainability. Therefore, if we want to revive the South, we need targeted investments. We need to convince our kids to stay here.” Paolo La Greca (councillor for urban planning of the Municipality of Catania) focused on the General Urban Plan: «The qualified parterre gives us the opportunity to discuss through the contributions of the many protagonists involved in the great transformation of the city. All the interventions have been summarized by the Pug: our Administration will present the policy document in a few days. The process was challenging and the result is also the result of a long discussion with the many segments of the city” “We do not deal with the new, but with the ancient which needs to be restored – he declared Irene Donatella Aprile (Superintendent for Cultural and Environmental Heritage of Catania) – And the city also needs this: the recovery of what already exists. But projects are needed: planning needs to be put back at the centre. We are open to dialogue and discussion.” «The ports in Italy are all related to the city behind them, there is a strong bond – he stated Francesco Di Sarcina (president of the Port System Authority of Eastern Sicily Augusta – Catania) – The city/port relationship arises in a condition in which the two parts do not have a border, but each respects the needs of the other. In Catania this relationship has always been complicated. Barriers are being raised, fences are being built: but we are working to shorten these distances, whilst maintaining the strong vocation and identity of the port.” Nico Torrisi (SAC CEO) then launched a proposal: «It is the desire of our Board of Directors to involve Architects and Engineers within a Committee. The objective is to involve them in advance and ask their opinions on the investments to be made.” A preview of the request launched by the closing speech of Acting President Leone: «A permanent technical table that brings everyone together, in which the Orders can make their contribution»
«It is a moment of opportunity for Sicily – he stated Except Lizzio (director of the Infrastructure and Transport Department of the Sicilian Region) – but the period is overshadowed by the fear of change. In recent years, a chronic infrastructural gap has been closed. The effort is accompanied by enormous capital. A real development opportunity for the area.” Giovanni Laudani (director of the Etna Regional Park Authority) highlighted the importance of «operating in harmony», and
Gaetano Laudani (chief civil engineering engineer of Catania), underlined that «a great deal of work is underway: this will serve to give a new impetus to the entire regional territory».
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