The University of Rijeka is proud to announce that the title of honorary professor of the University of Rijeka will be awarded to Giovanni Durbiano, Italian architect and a full professor of Architectural and Urban Design at the Polytechnic University of Turin. We extend sincere congratulations and express our great pleasure that Professor Durbiano will join a group of prominent Croatian and international scientists and scholars who contribute to the development and reputation of the University of Rijeka.
Given his previous experience, knowledge, and international reputation, Durbiano is considered an important factor in the education of young architects and experts in the field of urban transition from Croatia and the region. As a friend and promotor of the University of Rijeka, Prof. Durbiano will strive to promote our academic community as a place for learning and dynamic growth. As Professor Durbiano currently resides abroad, the award ceremony will take place at a later date in 2024.
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Giovanni Durbiano is an Italian architect and a full professor of Architectural and Urban Design at the Polytechnic University of Turin, where he also earned his Ph.D. in the history of architecture and urban planning. His research areas include theory and history, urban design, architectural design theory, design theory, and design practice. In 2012, together with fellow architects Alessandro Armando and Manfredo di Robilanta, he opened an independent studio, DAR Architettura, where they create works combining professional practice and university research.
From 2017 to 2021, he was the President of ProArch (ProArch società scentifica dei docenti italiani di progettazione architettonic), Scientific Society of Italian Architectural Design professors. He is one of the founders and a member of the Advisory Board of the peer-reviewed journal Ardeth (Architectural Design Theory), and the author of several publications on issues concerning contemporary architectural design.
Some of his works and projects have been published in several Italian architectural magazines, including Casabella, Abitare, Costruire, Edilizia Popolare, Ottagono, A&RT, Controspazio, Il Giornale dell’architettura, and Aion. His works were presented in many national and international lectures. His works are also featured in various architectural guidebooks of Turin, and some of them were exhibited at the Biennale di Venezia in 2003 and 2006.
Professor Durbiano started collaborating with the University of Rijeka in 2020 when he held several lectures in Rijeka as part of the ‘Rijeka: European Capital of Culture’ project. This cooperation has since continued, and in cooperation with the Center for Advanced Studies of Southeast Europe of the University of Rijeka, he held several lectures for young researchers during summer schools at the Moise Palace on Cres.
In July 2021, Durbiano was appointed Head of the Center for Urban Transition, Architecture and Urbanism – DeltaLab of the University of Rijeka. During his mandate, DeltaLab has made significant strides and notable results, and one of the most important is launching the post-graduate specialist study programme of Urban Studies. Due to its vision, goals, and methodology, the study programme is a true novelty at the University of Rijeka, but also in the region.