by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Michele Babuder, Trieste city councilor for territorial policies; Thomas Biasini, architect, scientific organizer of the project
The University of Trieste and the Municipality of Trieste have entered into a formal collaboration aimed at deepening the study and public understanding of the city’s architectural heritage, with a particular focus on works built after the mid-20th century. The agreement was presented Tuesday at Palazzo Gopcevich by city officials and representatives of the university’s Department of Engineering and Architecture.
Trieste, long admired for its elegant neoclassical palazzi, Habsburg-era grandeur and layered urban fabric, has seen growing attention from international visitors in recent years. While the city’s historic center remains a key attraction, municipal officials say the time has come to expand the narrative to include more recent urban development.
“We want to protect the beauty of our city by appreciating not only the historic center but also distinctive architectural elements that emerged in more recent decades,” said Michele Babuder, the municipal councillor for territorial planning, who attended the signing alongside Eddi Dalla Betta, the head of the city’s planning service. “Neighborhoods like Valmaura and Giarizzole feature significant contemporary works that deserve recognition.”
The partnership builds on existing municipal collaborations with academic institutions, including the University of Potsdam and IUAV in Venice. Those initiatives have explored Trieste’s architecture through research and publications — among them a forthcoming architectural guide by Berlin publisher DOM.
University officials emphasized the importance of broadening research to include structures built after the 1950s, noting that several noteworthy public and private buildings from the last seven decades have appeared in architecture journals but remain unfamiliar to many residents.
Under the agreement, the city will grant access to documents from its technical archive — including designs, planning materials and administrative records — to support research and cultural programming. The university will use the archive to develop exhibitions, lectures, publications and guided tours focused on contemporary architectural heritage.
The ultimate goal, both parties said, is to promote wider public engagement with Trieste’s built environment. In addition to documenting historic and modern landmarks, the initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of urban design, sustainability and the evolution of public spaces.
By opening this material to academic study and public dissemination, Trieste hopes to strengthen its position as a cultural destination while highlighting the role of architecture in shaping the city’s identity.
“This collaboration is not only about preservation,” Mr. Babuder said. “It is about sharing knowledge and cultivating appreciation — a foundation for the city’s future development and its cultural life.”
