The documentary Mario Botta. The space beyond, by Loretta Dalpozzo and Michèle Volontè, is an artistic and personal journey into the architecture of Mario Botta to understand why a globalized society feels the urge to build sacred spaces and why Botta feels, more than ever, the need to tackle the issue. Passionate, tireless, at 76 Botta is one of the few architects who has built places of prayer for the three main monotheistic religions. After building many churches, chapels and a synagogue, he is now building a Mosque in China. A new challenge in a moment of deep reflection about the contradictions of our society.
Born in Mendrisio in 1943, Mario Botta attended the Liceo Artistico (High School) in Milan and graduated in architecture from IUAV, Venice in 1969. During his time in Venice, Botta met Louis Kahn and worked at Le Corbusier.
Strongly influenced by two great masters, his design style evolved into pure, geometric and imposing forms. Brick is a key material in his body of work, used as cladding to accentuate the severity of his designs.
All his work has a spiritual connotation, through which he demonstrates the importance of architecture as a means of expression of human memory.
Programme
Wine Reception starting at 6pm (Canteen)
Film and conversation with Mario Botta starting at 6.45pm (Memorial Hall)
Location
Memorial Hall, School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy, Richview Campus, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, D14 E099 [Google Maps]
Parking / Access from Clonskeagh Road
Parking is FREE for visitors after 6pm. There is ample carparking on the Richview Campus, access from the Clonskeagh Road to the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy (take exit off Clonskeagh Road to Richview Office Park and proceed forward). The 11 Bus runs from the city centre and stops near the Richview Campus.
Organised in collaboration between the Embassy of Switzerland in Ireland and the Italian Institute of Culture.
This event is part of the 19th Week of Italian Language in the World.
Free admission, booking required.
[Image credits: Nicola Gnesi – courtesy of Fondazione Henraux]
Reservation no longer available