University Metropolitan Tirana became the stage for a unique academic and creative experience as architecture students participated in a three-day workshop on the Architecture and Culture of the Renaissance and Baroque eras, led by Professor Andreas Giakoumacatos. During these intensive three days, participants had the opportunity to analyze the influence of key figures such as Filippo Brunelleschi and Leon Battista Alberti on Renaissance architecture, focusing on concepts of proportionality, symmetry, and urban composition. From Florence to Rome, students explored how art and ideology were intertwined with the development of urban spaces and the architecture of the time.
A Workshop That Brought the Renaissance and Baroque to UMT’s Auditoriums
The workshop was not limited to theoretical analysis but also included discussions on the fundamental differences between the Renaissance and Baroque periods and the impact of technical and philosophical innovations on the architecture of the era. An important part of the program was the study of Mannerist architecture and the role of masters such as Andrea Palladio and Michelangelo, placing historical architecture in a modern context.
Professor Giakoumacatos, with his extensive academic experience and background as an architectural critic, shared his knowledge with students, offering them a deeper perspective on architecture across different periods. He emphasized that architecture is not merely a physical structure but a reflection of social, political, and cultural developments.
Architecture as a Reflection of History
The workshop was considered a valuable experience by the participants, who regarded it as a unique opportunity to understand how history, art, and ideology have shaped urban spaces and contemporary architecture. By the end of the workshop, students left not only with new knowledge but also with a deeper inspiration to bring historical architecture into a modern context.
This event also served as a platform for dialogue between students and experts, fostering critical analysis and creativity in the interpretation of architectural structures. By combining historical studies with contemporary applications, the workshop provided a clear perspective on the evolution of architecture throughout the centuries. University Metropolitan Tirana promotes high-level academic activities, turning education into a journey rich in knowledge and practical experience. Workshops like this remain a valuable opportunity for students to expand their horizons and bridge theory with practice in an innovative way.
Professor Giakoumacatos has a distinguished academic career in the field of architectural history. He has taught at the University of Florence and has been an architectural critic for the newspaper To Vima in Athens. In addition to his academic engagement, he has served as the director of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture and has participated in the Venice Architecture Biennale as Greece’s national commissioner. With extensive experience in research and publications on Renaissance and Baroque architecture, he continues to make significant contributions to the field of architectural studies.
