Santiago Calatrava on Art, Architecture, and Rome at Villa Medici
During the 'Giovedì della Villa' series at the Accademia di Francia Villa Medici in Rome, Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (born in Valencia, 1951) delivered a talk hosted by Muriel Mayette-Holtz. He shared insights into his artistic endeavors and public works, expressing his deep admiration for Rome and quoting Goethe: 'Nowhere have I learned as much as in Rome' (Italian Journey, 1816). Calatrava emphasized the significance of the Pantheon as a source of inspiration and preferred to showcase sketches rather than completed projects, illustrating his daily routine of drawing and painting. His notable works include the Zurich railway station (1990), Valencia's Planetarium (2009), and Reggio Emilia's AV Mediopadana station (2014). Current projects involve a bridge in California, the Oculus at the World Trade Center, and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in New York, while he acknowledged his limited involvement with the incomplete Vele di Tor Vergata in Rome.
Key facts
- Santiago Calatrava spoke at Accademia di Francia Villa Medici in Rome as part of 'Giovedì della Villa' series.
- He was hosted by director Muriel Mayette-Holtz, first woman to lead the institution since 2015.
- Calatrava cited Goethe: 'Nowhere have I learned as much as in Rome' (Italian Journey, 1816).
- He named the Pantheon as a key inspiration for its cosmic sense and dramatic light.
- He showed preparatory sketches and watercolors, emphasizing daily drawing and painting.
- Projects mentioned: Zurich railway station (1990), Valencia Planetarium (2009), Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana station (2014).
- Ongoing works: a bridge in California, Oculus at World Trade Center (36,000 sqm), St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in New York.
- St. Nicholas Church is inspired by Bramante, built in steel and Italian marble, described as 'monument to life'.
- He addressed the unfinished Vele di Tor Vergata in Rome, stating his responsibility is limited to design.
- He quoted Goethe: 'Architecture is petrified music'.
- Calatrava was born in Valencia in 1951.
- Muriel Mayette-Holtz was administrator of Comédie-Française (2006-2014) and teacher at Conservatoire National Supérieur d'Art Dramatique (2000-2006).
Entities
Artists
- Santiago Calatrava
- Muriel Mayette-Holtz
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
- Donato Bramante
Institutions
- Accademia di Francia Villa Medici
- Comédie-Française
- Conservatoire National Supérieur d'Art Dramatique
- Artribune
- PresS/Tfactory_AIAC
- Interno14
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Valencia
- Spain
- Zurich
- Switzerland
- Reggio Emilia
- California
- New York
- World Trade Center
- Tor Vergata
- Villa Medici
- Pantheon
- Planetarium of Valencia
- St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
- Oculus