Mario Cucinella proposes green facade for Bologna's unfinished San Petronio basilica
The proposal by architect Mario Cucinella, known as 'Bosco San Petronio,' to finish the Basilica of San Petronio's incomplete facade with greenery has ignited debate. Cucinella's vision seeks to reconcile the city's architectural heritage with environmental concerns, asserting that a new facade should embody modern principles rather than historical extravagance. He references Pope Francis's encyclical 'Laudato si'' and the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement to stress the necessity for immediate environmental action. Cucinella critiques other incomplete projects in Bologna while showcasing his own, such as the Museo Etrusco della Fondazione Rovati in Milan (2021) and Torre Unipol (2022). His book, 'Building Green Futures,' promotes a 'humanistic vision' in tackling climate challenges. Valentina Silvestrini conducted the interview for Artribune.
Key facts
- Mario Cucinella proposed 'Bosco San Petronio' to complete Bologna's Basilica of San Petronio facade with plants.
- The proposal has generated ironic, pungent, and indignant reactions.
- Cucinella developed the idea independently, without commission.
- The basilica has remained unfinished for 700 years.
- Cucinella cites Pope Francis's encyclical 'Laudato si'' and the Paris Agreement COP21 anniversary.
- He criticizes Bologna as a 'sleeping beauty' compared to Milan.
- Other unfinished Bologna projects include the Bofill station and an auditorium for Claudio Abbado.
- Cucinella's upcoming projects include Museo Etrusco Fondazione Rovati (2021), Città della Salute e della Ricerca, San Raffaele Hospital, and Torre Unipol (2022).
- His book 'Building Green Futures' calls for a humanistic vision of sustainability.
- The interview was published by Artribune and conducted by Valentina Silvestrini.
Entities
Artists
- Mario Cucinella
- Valentina Silvestrini
- Palladio
- Claudio Abbado
- Alberto Burri
Institutions
- Basilica of San Petronio
- Mario Cucinella Architects
- Fondazione Rovati
- Artribune
- Il Sole 24 Ore
- Unipol
- San Raffaele Hospital
Locations
- Bologna
- Italy
- Milan
- Sesto San Giovanni
- Gibellina Nuova
- Paris