Federica Rossi is the recipient of the James Ackerman History of Architecture Prize for the first book in this field; there are no restrictions on either the topic of research or the citizenship of the author, although the selection of candidates is carried out by the Vicentia International Center for the Study of Architecture by Andrea Palladio. Rossi was awarded in the 4th edition of the prize founded by the architectural historian James Ackerman (who last year won the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale): he donated to its establishment the International Balzan Prize, which he received in 2001.
Federica Rossi's book, which will be published in May 2009, is entitled Translating Palladio: Nikolai Lvov, Russian Architect and Thinker at the Sunset of the Enlightenment. The researcher tries to cover in her work all facets of the personality and work of an outstanding architect, practically unknown in Italy. Particular attention is paid to the role of Lvov in the spread of not only Palladianism, but also neo-Gothic in Russia; Rossi also writes about his attempts to reconcile the forms of classical architecture with the climatic conditions of the middle zone and national tradition. In the process of preparing the book, she examined a large number of unpublished materials: his drawings, notes, books with his own handwritten notes, which allowed her to illuminate in more detail his activities as a researcher of folklore, theorist of architecture and translator of various works - from Anacreon to Palladio.
Federica Rossi, 31, first came to Russia at the age of 12. Then, in a completely new and unusual Russian culture for her, she found something familiar: the forms of Palladian architecture united Russia and the Italian, European tradition for her. Later, having become interested in the personality of Nikolai Lvov, Rossi saw in him a "Russian Leonardo" who was trying to improve society in the spirit of the ideas of the Enlightenment and to acquaint compatriots with the latest Western ideas. At the same time, she clearly understood that Russia is not quite Europe, and that, while exploring its history and architecture, it is necessary to remember the unique features of its situation.
Federica Rossi studied at an art school in Moscow, graduated in Turin and completed her postgraduate studies in Pisa. She is now studying the history of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
