Roberto Gottardi facts for kids

Roberto Gottardi (January 30, 1927 – August 21, 2017) was an architect. He was born in Italy and later became a Cuban citizen. He is best known for his unique designs in Cuba.

Roberto Gottardi's Early Life and Education

Roberto Gottardi studied architecture in Venice, Italy. He graduated from the Architecture Institute of Venice in 1952. During his studies, he learned from important teachers. One of his main mentors was Carlo Scarpa. Scarpa taught him a "craft" way of designing buildings. This was different from the popular "Rationalist" style. Rationalist architecture focused on simple, logical designs. Gottardi's teachers preferred more artistic and detailed work.

Working in Milan and Venezuela

After finishing school, Gottardi worked in Milan, Italy. He joined a design firm called BBPR. In 1957, he moved to Caracas, Venezuela. There, he worked on a big project called Banco Obrero. He worked with other architects, including Vittorio Garatti and Ricardo Porro. This project was led by the famous architect Carlos Raúl Villanueva.

Designing the National Art Schools in Cuba

A big change happened in Cuba. The Cuban Revolution ended in 1959. This led to a new government. After the revolution, Ricardo Porro invited Gottardi and Garatti to Cuba. They were asked to help build a new country. Gottardi arrived in Cuba in December 1960.

Soon, he began working on a huge project. This was the new National Art Schools in Havana. Fidel Castro, Cuba's leader, asked for these schools to be built. Gottardi, Porro, and Garatti worked as a team. Roberto Gottardi designed the School of Dramatic Arts. This school was for students who wanted to study acting and theater.

Work on the National Art Schools stopped in 1965. This was due to political changes. Roberto Gottardi was the only one of the three main architects who stayed in Cuba.

Later Career and Restoration Work

After the art schools project, Gottardi continued his work. He became a teacher at the University of Havana. He taught architecture to many students. He also worked on other building projects. These included the National Command Post of Agriculture. He also designed the Maravilla pizzeria.

Gottardi also created stage designs for ballets. He designed sets for "Girón" in 1981 and "Dédalo" in 1991. These were for the choreographer Rosario Cárdenas. He also helped remodel the Prado y Neptuno Restaurant.

Roberto Gottardi lived, taught, and practiced architecture in Havana. In 2008, he started a new project. He worked with the Cuban National Council of Conservation. Their goal was to restore and finish the School of Dramatic Arts. This school had been incomplete since 1965.

See also

In Spanish: Roberto Gottardi para niños