30 August. Italo Insolera, noted Italian city planner who helped devise the current appearance and presentation of Rome, has died.  He was 83 years old.

Born in Turin, Italy in 1929, Insolera received his degree at the architecture faculty of the Università La Sapienza in 1953.  An expert in regional planning, Insolera was in charge of the University Institute of Architecture (IUAV) in Venice from 1963 to 1971; from 1971 to 1983 he was professor of urban history at the University of Geneva. Insolera specialized in questions concerning the economic, social and cultural aspects of urban development, and the use of the historic city center in relation to the development of the modern metropolis. In this aim, he worked on urban and restoration projects throughout Italy, most particularly in Rome.

Insolera was the author of numerous books and essays, ranging from Roma moderna, 1962 to Saper vedere l’ambiente (Seeing the Environment), 2008.

Insolera’s professional and teaching activities centered on restoration and development plans for historic cities and compounds. Most interested in the relationship between archaeology and the modern city, Insolera devised, promoted and implemented ways to showcase the ancient city through a series of proposals to limit traffic, create pedestrian areas, and stimulate archaeological parks within the city precinct, such as the famous Appia Antica district.  Insolera was a tireless partisan for urban and environmental conservation measures, which over time have been partially adopted by city administrations, most particularly in Rome.

The Director-General and staff of ICCROM offer their condolences to Prof. Insolera’s family and colleagues.

updated on: 30 August, 2012