Architecture, civil engineering, academia and diplomacy : a comprehensive overview of the work of Lino Bianco

Abstract

The practice of building bridges has been attributed to the profession of architects and civil engineers. The theory underlying their design is reserved to researchers mainly in academia. Metaphorically, bridge building is a term used to establish communication and, in particular, to develop friendly relations between parties, a role played by diplomats, especially ambassadors. A contemporary professional who is an architect, an academic and a diplomat is Lino Bianco, the present ambassador of the Republic of Malta to the Republic of Moldova. Based on literature available at the library of the University of Malta and on the internet, the article presents a comprehensive overview of the professional and academic work of Professor Bianco, work which has been acknowledged at both academic and diplomatic levels. It concludes by arguing that he is essentially a renaissance man.