Lecture Topic
The Menil Collection in Houston was a turning point in Renzo Piano’s architectural career. Following the bold experimentation of the Centre Pompidou, the Menil Collection marked a shift toward a refined approach to exhibition design—one that would shape Piano’s museum projects for decades to come. In this lecture, Lorenzo Ciccarelli examines the pivotal role Dominique de Menil played in this evolution, framing the Menil Collection as a confluence of narratives, collaborations, and visionary ambitions. Ciccarelli’s exploration sheds light on how this iconic building emerged at the intersection of architectural innovation and personal intimacy.
Speaker Biography
Lorenzo Ciccarelli is an associate professor of architectural history at the University of Florence and serves on the scientific committee of the Renzo Piano Foundation. His research focuses on contemporary architecture, emphasizing transnational collaborations, construction techniques, and professional practice. Ciccarelli has authored numerous works on Piano, including Renzo Piano Before Renzo Piano: Masters and Beginnings (2017) and Renzo Piano & RPBW (2023). He is currently completing a book on architect-intellectual Vittorio Gregotti, set to be published by Routledge in 2025.
This program is made possible through the generous support of the Betty R. and George F. Pierce Jr., FAIA, Fund; the William B. Coleman Jr. Colloquium Fund for Architecture; and the Wm. W. Caudill Lecture Series Fund.