Università della Svizzera italiana remembers Howard Burns

Università della Svizzera italiana mourns the death of Professor Howard Burns, eminent architectural historian and Professor Emeritus at Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa. Born in Aberdeen (Scotland) in 1939, Professor Burns was a key figure in the study of Italian Renaissance architecture, with particular attention to the work of Andrea Palladio.

An internationally renowned scholar, Howard Burns taught at prestigious academic institutions, including Harvard University, Cambridge University, the University of Venice and Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa. His work was distinguished by an innovative approach to the study of Renaissance architecture, exploring not only formal and theoretical aspects but also the cultural and social context in which it developed.

In 2018, USI had the honour of awarding him an honorary doctorate in architecture during the 22nd Dies academicus in recognition of his outstanding contribution to research and the dissemination of architectural knowledge. His connection with USI Academy of Architecture was significant, and his knowledge contributed to consolidating the international prestige of the institution.

The academic community of USI remembers Professor Burns with deep gratitude and expresses its sympathy to Mrs Giusi Boni, his wife and precious supporter of the USI Academy of Architecture. The Boni Prize, awarded each year to a graduate of the Academy of Architecture, is a testament to her constant commitment to promoting academic excellence and architectural research.