Manuel Aires Mateus on Hyper-Regionalism: Torre67 in Puglia

The 13th Architects Meet happened in Lecce, Italy, from October 24 to 26, attracting over 600 participants. Organized by the Italian Association of Architecture and Criticism (AIAC) with local partners, the theme was Hyper-Regionalism, promoting architecture that embraces local materials and context, in contrast to bland designs. Manuel Aires Mateus, a Lisbon-born architect from 1963, received the international award. At Teatro Paisiello, he presented Torre67, his first project in Puglia, which involved converting a 16th-century tower in Alezio into a home for Milanese clients. The renovation included removing a later addition and using its stones for a pool, preserving the tower’s historical character. Mateus emphasized architecture as 'the art of permanence,' drawing inspiration from notable figures like Gonçalo Byrne and Álvaro Siza. The event also featured exhibitions such as Supermostra24 and recognized awards for several architects, including Amedeo Schiattarella and Massimiliano Rendina.