Richard England (architect)

Last updated
Richard England
Born (1937-10-03) 3 October 1937 (age 86)
Nationality Maltese
Alma mater University of Malta
OccupationArchitect/Podcaster
SpouseMyriam Borg Manduca dei Conti di Mont'Alto
Children2
Parents
Website www.podcasterrichardengland.com

Richard England (born Richard England Sant Fournier on 3 October 1937) is a Maltese architect, writer, artist, podcaster and academic.

Contents

Biography

Manikata Parish Church, which was designed by England Malta - Mellieha-Manikata + Triq Mellieha - Misrah il-Parrocca - Manikata Parish Church 01 ies.jpg
Manikata Parish Church, which was designed by England

Son of Edwin England Sant Fournier and Ina Desain, Richard studied at St. Edward's College, and later graduated in Architecture at the University of Malta. [1] He then continued his studies in Italy at the Polytechnic University of Milan and also worked as a student-architect in the studio of the Italian architect-designer in Gio Ponti in 1960-62. [2]

He is also a sculptor, photographer, poet, artist, author of a number of books and voices a number of podcasts.[ citation needed ] He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Malta, having acted as Dean of the Faculty of Architecture between 1987 and 1989.[ citation needed ] He is also an Hon. Fellow at the University of Bath in the UK, and an Academician and Vice-President of the International Academy of Architecture.[ citation needed ]

England has lectured and exhibited his work in North and South America, the UK, Europe, the Middle and as far East as Russia.[ citation needed ] During the 1970s he worked in Saudi Arabia while in the early 80s he was appointed, together with Robert Venturi, Arup Associates, Arthur Erickson, Sheppard Robson and Ricardo Bofill as a consultant to the Mayoralty of Baghdad, Iraq to work on the rehabilitation of the city under the Mayoralty's architect Rifat Chadirji. [3]

His philosophy centers on an expression referred to by Charles Knevitt as "a valid, contemporary regionalism", [4] preferring a process of evolution as opposed to revolution, “a new leaf as opposed to a new tree”, believing that architecture should be appropriate to both place and time and that it should evoke the spirit of the place.[ citation needed ]

Richard England has lectured and worked in the capacity of Architectural Consultant to governmental and private institutions in the following countries: US, UK, Yugoslavia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Italy, Argentina, Poland, Bulgaria, Russia, Kazakhstan and his native Malta.[ citation needed ]

He married Myriam Borg Manduca in 1962 and has one daughter and one son. [5]

Style

Critical response

“Richard England’s restless mind and nervous energy find expression in so many different artistic fields that it leaves one breathless”. [6]

“His architecture intense, sunny, rich in pure forms, bejewelled with bright colours …works designed with imagination, ingenuity and indisputable, creative passion”. [7]

“A style of his own, successfully relating to the elements of the island’s tradition. Malta is fortunate to have him to lead the profession on the island”. [8]

“The Garden of Apollo …a real coup de grace where the architect’s imagination, artistic myths and cultural realities merge to provide a fitting reminder of this architect’s amazing talents”. [9]

“Richard England played an active part in building up the Malta tourist industry designing a series of resort hotels which set a new standard for the type”. [10]

Selected works

St Francis of Assisi in Qawra, seen from south Gesamtansicht Church of St Francis of Assisi, OT Qawra, 2016-11-30, ama fec.jpg
St Francis of Assisi in Qawra, seen from south

Awards

Publications by Richard England

Books

Poetry

Articles

Publications on Richard England

Books

Articles

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References

  1. "Prof. Richard England donates concept drawings to UM".
  2. "Richard England explores 'Architecture and the Senses'".
  3. "Rifat Chadirji Tribute: A foreword by Richard England". 10 April 2021.
  4. Connections, Lund Humphries, UK, 1984
  5. Publications, Europa (2003). The International Who's Who 2004. Psychology Press. p. 494. ISBN   9781857432176.
  6. Charles Knevitt – Connections, Lund Humphries, London, 1984.
  7. Mario Pisani – Contro Spazio 5, Rome, Italy, 2000.
  8. Colin Amery, Financial Times, 8/2/93, UK.
  9. Dennis Sharp, Richard England – Patrick Fenech Exhibition Catalogue, Malta Arts Festival, 2008.
  10. Chris Abel, Transformations - Richard England 25 years of Architecture, Mid-Med Bank, Malta, 1987.
  11. Homepage (maltesisch)