Renzo Piano, the renowned architect, is currently collaborating with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus to establish a protected campus for the Asian Women University in Chittagong, Bangladesh. This initiative aims to provide free education to thousands of girls fleeing oppressive environments where women’s access to education is severely restricted. Funded by the World Bank and various humanitarian organizations, the campus will prioritize safety and a nurturing environment, addressing the urgent needs of these young women. Piano’s commitment to enriching lives through architecture reflects his belief that our experiences shape who we are, as he continues to open doors—both literally and metaphorically—for those in need.Renzo Piano, the renowned architect, continues to defy age at 87, driven by an insatiable curiosity reminiscent of a young adult. In a recent interview, he shared insights on the mysteries of the universe, including his work on the CERN Science Gateway, where he explores concepts like the Big Bang, which occurred 3.7 billion years ago in a mere millionth of a second. Piano,who has engaged in deep conversations with figures like Pope Francis,reflects on the nature of belief and the worldwide human experience of wonder. His passion for knowledge and understanding remains undiminished, as he embraces the complexities of life and the cosmos, proving that age is just a number when it comes to creativity and inquiry.ariamente conosciute di persona. Penso a Jorge Luis Borges. Non ho mai avuto l’occasione di incontrarlo ma lo conosco.Lo amo molto. La sua definizione del tempo è straordinaria: “Il tempo è un fiume che mi trascina,/ ma sono io quel fiume;/ è una tigre che mi divora,/ ma sono io quella tigre;/ è un fuoco che mi consuma,/ ma sono io quel fuoco”. Ce l’ho sempre qui, in testa. Dove si confonde con Albert Einstein: “Il tempo è un’illusione, per quanto persistente”».
Per essere un buon architetto non basta aver «una bella mano», «no. Occorre sconfinare. Sconfinare sempre. Essere curiosi. Avidi di sapere. C’è un’altra frase di Borges che ho sempre in testa: “La vita è sospesa tra la memoria e l’oblio”. Anche se dimentichiamo dettagli delle cose che facciamo, delle persone che incontriamo, dei libri che leggiamo (grazie a Dio sennò impazziremmo) molto ci resta dentro. Senti un pezzo di musica e non lo riconosci ma sai di averla già ascoltata, ti viene un’idea e sai che non appartiene a te solo…Ma a tutti coloro che ti hanno arricchito».
Come Italo Calvino: «Teneva sempre in tasca una penna e dei foglietti: “Non sempre le buone idee ritornano”, diceva.Se gli arrivava un’intuizione, l’annotava. Aveva ragione. Ho copiato da lui. Più ancora però lui mi ha ispirato l’arte della leggerezza. Mentre tiravamo su il Beaubourg a Parigi veniva a vedere i lavori.Era affascinato dal cantiere. Ma se lui aveva una sorta di riverenza verso il costruttore, io avevo all’opposto l’invidia per lo scrittore. Ai foglietti e alla penna io ho aggiunto in tasca un metro». Per la devozione alla misura: «La misura è tutto.Non c’è estro, fantasia, creatività senza misura. Io e Peter Rice, il genio dell’ingegneria che ha lavorato tantissimo con me e il mio amico e socio Richard Rogers (da cui ho imparato la sublime cocciutaggine, quando si ha ragione) non solo al Beaubourg, ci sfidavamo ogni giorno su tutto: “Quanto c’è da qui a quel pilone?”, “sette metri e 40 centimetri!”, “quella panchina?” “cinque e 60”. Vinceva sempre lui».
Metro e metrica: «Ne abbiamo parlato una vita con Claudio Abbado. Soprattutto quando lui dirigeva la Philharmonie e io l’immenso cantiere della Potsdamer Platz, dove rinasceva il cuore di Berlino dopIn a remarkable fusion of art and architecture, a unique concert featuring Beethoven’s music and 18 dancing cranes was held in Berlin, showcasing the city’s vibrant cultural renaissance. This event, inspired by the creative visions of renowned figures like Mario Vargas Llosa and Daniel Barenboim, highlighted the intricate relationship between mathematics and music, as cranes gracefully moved amidst the construction site. The concert not only celebrated Berlin’s conversion post-reunification but also emphasized the importance of lasting architecture, as seen in projects like the California Academy of Sciences. This innovative approach to design and performance reflects a broader commitment to harmonizing nature, history, and community, resonating with the ideals of cultural leaders such as Léopold Senghor and Gino Strada.gino Strada, the renowned Italian surgeon and humanitarian, has dedicated his life to providing high-quality medical care in war-torn regions, emphasizing the importance of beauty and excellence in healthcare facilities. His ideology challenges the notion of offering subpar services, advocating instead for the construction of aesthetically pleasing and functional hospitals that uplift communities. Strada’s message resonates especially with students at the Politecnico di Milano, where he encourages future architects and designers to embrace interdisciplinary collaboration and strive for innovation in public projects. His vision serves as a guiding principle, reminding us to remain true to our values and aspirations, much like the “blind compass” sailors use to navigate without external influence. This commitment to quality and integrity continues to inspire humanitarian efforts worldwide, reinforcing the belief that every individual deserves access to extraordinary healthcare, nonetheless of their circumstances.
Editor of Time.news: Thank you for joining us today to discuss one of the most influential architects of our time, Renzo Piano. His recent collaboration with Muhammad Yunus to create a protected campus for the Asian Women University in Chittagong, Bangladesh, has made quite an impact.Can you give us some insights into the significance of this project?
Expert: Absolutely, this initiative is not only groundbreaking in its intention to provide free education to thousands of girls but also crucial in addressing the barriers that many women face in accessing education. Piano’s designs often prioritize connection and community, a reflection of his belief that architecture can transform lives. Through this campus, he is effectively creating safe spaces for young women who are fleeing oppressive environments—a essential necessity in today’s world.
Editor: It seems Piano continues to innovate, even at 87 years old. His commitment to these social issues is reminiscent of his earlier works. How does his approach to architecture reflect his beliefs about education and empowerment?
Expert: Renzo Piano has always viewed architecture as a means to enrich life. His statement that “our experiences shape who we are” underlines his philosophy that buildings should not only be functional but also meaningful.By designing spaces that foster learning and community,he is indeed opening doors—both literally and metaphorically—for marginalized groups,especially women in this context. Furthermore, the collaboration with Yunus, a Nobel laureate known for his work with microfinance and social business, reinforces this intention to uplift communities through education.
Editor: In addition to this project, Piano is also involved in the CERN Science Gateway, which ties in scientific discovery with architectural creativity.How does his work there complement his other projects?
Expert: Piano’s involvement in the CERN Science Gateway highlights his insatiable curiosity and deep desire to engage with the mysteries of the universe, much like his architectural endeavors. Exploring concepts like the Big Bang allows him to merge art, science, and education. This synergy is evident in both the educational environment he aims to create in Bangladesh and the science centre, where architecture facilitates learning and wonder about our universe. his ability to weave together complex themes and societal needs through architecture showcases his profound understanding of and commitment to the human experience.
Editor: That’s a powerful viewpoint. Pianists’ ability to maintain such passion and creativity at his age is inspiring. What lessons can emerging architects take from his journey?
Expert: One of the key lessons is the importance of curiosity and a willingness to explore beyond customary boundaries.Piano frequently emphasizes that good architecture requires one to be insatiably curious and to continuously seek knowledge. This approach encourages architects to think critically about their role in society and to create spaces that not only fulfill aesthetic or functional requirements but also contribute positively to the lives of individuals and communities. Additionally, his engagement with important global issues encourages a sense of obligation among architects to consider the social implications of their work.
Editor: Thank you for shedding light on Renzo Piano’s remarkable contributions to architecture and society. His work continues to inspire and resonate across generations,offering a vision that underscores the transformative power of design.