The Torre Eurosky in Rome stands as a major example of the architectural designs produced by Franco Purini throughout his career. Born in Isola del Liri in 1941, he established himself as an architect, academic, and essayist whose influence within Italian design circles spans several decades of professional practice and theoretical research.
Professional Origins and Education
Purini completed his architecture studies at the Sapienza University of Rome, graduating in 1971 under the mentorship of Ludovico Quaroni. During his formative years, he engaged with various intellectual and creative peers, including Franco Libertucci, Achille Perilli, and Lorenzo Taiuti. Early in his career, he secured professional positions alongside Maurizio Sacripanti and Vittorio Gregotti, which informed his later participation in the Belice 80 workshop.
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His pedagogical career began in 1969, leading to tenure at institutions in Florence and Cosenza. Following teaching roles in Reggio Calabria and Rome, he transitioned to the IUAV in Venice. Since 2003, he has held an academic position at the Sapienza University of Rome. He has documented his theoretical approaches in various volumes, including Dal Progetto and Comporre l'architettura, and explored classical influences in his 2024 work, AB = 1,618 X BC. La sezione aurea.
Collaborative Practice and Recognition
Since 1966, he has maintained a collaborative partnership with his wife, Laura Thermes. Together, they have represented their work at the Venice Biennale and the Milan Triennale. In 1980, he participated in the Strada Novissima exhibition at the Venice Biennale, a project curated by Paolo Portoghesi. His body of work has earned him the Gold Medal of the Italian Order of Merit for Culture and Art, alongside memberships in the Accademia di San Luca and the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno.
Architectural Philosophy
Purini’s projects typically utilize complex line patterns and detailed structural cross-references. His buildings reflect rationalist principles and classical traditions, frequently referencing the works of Giovan Battista Piranesi and Maurizio Sacripanti. His extensive list of publications, such as Discorso sull'architettura, underscores a lifelong focus on the intersection of urban planning and the practice of architectural drawing.
Fast facts
- Born: 1941, Isola del Liri, Italy
- Education: Sapienza University of Rome
- Key Project: Torre Eurosky, Rome
- Collaborator: Laura Thermes
- Notable Recognition: Gold Medal of the Italian Order of Merit for Culture and Art
- Academic Affiliations: Sapienza University of Rome, IUAV Venice
- Professional Associations: Accademia di San Luca, Accademia delle Arti del Disegno
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Purini’s written work?
His essays and books primarily address architectural theory, urban design, and the discipline of drawing as a method of composition.
With whom has Purini collaborated on his architecture projects?
He has maintained a lifelong professional collaboration with his wife, the architect Laura Thermes.
Achievements
- Gold Medal of the Italian Order of Merit for Culture and Art
- Trained at Sapienza University of Rome
