Alfredo Pirri awarded honorary degree in Architecture, reflects on drawing and public space

Alfredo Pirri received an honorary master's degree in Architecture from an undisclosed institution on October 2, 2023. The motivation for the award cites his significant role in the artistic and architectural landscape, representing the ethical values of Italian creativity nationally and internationally. In his acceptance speech, Pirri explored the relationship between art and architecture through the concepts of 'panorama' and 'landscape,' drawing on definitions from the Treccani dictionary. He argued that art relates to panorama as architecture relates to landscape, and that drawing serves as a bridge between these realms. Pirri described drawing as a preparatory gesture that not only anticipates an artwork but also determines its necessity, defines its territory, and anchors it culturally. He emphasized that drawing 'takes care' of the existing, preserving and nurturing it through constant re-creation. Pirri noted that every artwork and architecture is both tangible and unreal, protected by its preparatory drawing. He concluded by highlighting the coincidence of the ceremony date with the Catholic feast of the Guardian Angel, linking the theme of custody to creative acts. The speech was delivered at the institution where the ceremony took place, with Pirri thanking the community for their welcoming and generous spirit.