Maltese professor to judge Bari thesis projects

Professor Denis De Lucca, head of architecture at the University of Malta, was recently invited to the faculty of architecture in Bari, Italy, to participate in the abjudication commission of the final year thesis projects of faculty students.

The academic year 2002-2005 projects concerned the rehabilitation of the royal city of Amber in India, replacement buildings for three post-war sites in Valletta, a rehabilitation project for the historic labyrinthine town of Meknes in Morocco, a conservation project focusing on the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria and three projects for the historic centre of Trani in Apulia, set in the context of the famous Romanesque cathedral and castle of the medieval town.

The superbly exhibited projects all reflected firstly the considerable analytical skills of the students concerned resulting from both research and on-site evaluations and, secondly, a richness of creative responses to some very difficult sites and issues.

Professor De Lucca said that the faculty of architecture in Bari was well known for its tradition of encouraging students to conceive their thesis projects outside Italy, particularly in countires having different cultural scenarios and building traditions. He added that the work of the final year architecture students was of a very high standard.

During his visit to the faculty of architecture, Professor De Lucca also saw the work of second year students and discussed with the dean, Professor Attilio Petruccioli, and other faculty members, a project of further co-operation between Bari and Malta in terms of student projects and academic research and publications.