Giampietro Parboni Arquati SIA OTIA REGA died in Davos, Switzerland, on 3 January 2014 of a brain tumour. Giampietro joined the AA in 1977, having completed a first year at Rome University, which at the time was troubled by student unrest. He joined Mike Davies and Alan Stanton’s Unit, who had just returned to London following work on the Centre Georges Pompidou. Giampietro had learned English during the preceding summer in Cambridge, where he met his wife Silvia. The unit system was a true culture shock but one which he took on with typical commitment and dedication, joining Zaha Hadid’s Unit in his final year and graduating in 1982.

After a brief spell working for Greenhill Jenner Architects in London, he chose to make his own way in Switzerland. He married Silvia and headed for Locarno to join the studio of Livio Vacchini. Very happy and professionally fulfilling times followed, as he set up his own practice in Locarno in 1985, subsequently moving to Lugano in 1990, where he completed numerous projects including private houses, apartment buildings and competition entries. From 2002 to 2008 he was responsible for projects in Astana, Kazakstan, including a hospital and the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2009 he worked on a large project near Caracas, a riverfront mixed-use complex for a hotel and apartment buildings.

Giampietro’s illness was first diagnosed in January 2010 and he made an almost full recovery returning to work a year later. In 2012 he sought a quieter life and with Silvia decided to move to the ski resort of Davos. They had settled for less than a month when Giampietro was commissioned what was to be his last project, the refurbishment of an important local hotel. Although he was still convalescing he took on the challenge with great enthusiasm and ensured that the complex renovation was completed on time. Unfortunately the tumour returned in 2013 and he spent many months in and out in hospital. He passed away shortly after the New Year.

All that knew him will remember and miss his fine humour, his smile, his welcoming and outgoing character always interested in hearing one’s news. He addressed his illness with great optimism, never ceasing to enjoy and embrace life. Shortly before he died he said: I would do it all again exactly in the same way!

Obituary written by Luigi Beltrandi AA Alumnus & Partner at CZWG Architects
Giampietro Parboni Arquati's CV can be viewed here