07-03-2026
The Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV) presented the book ¿Qué es la arquitectura? by Emilio Delgado Martos, published by Editorial UFV, at the Ateneo de Madrid
The event took place on February 5 in the Sala Larra at the Ateneo de Madrid as part of the “Economics and Urban Planning” series, bringing together professionals and academics to discuss the field of architecture.
Cover of the book published by Emilio Delgado, *What Is Architecture?*
The historic Sala Larra at the Ateneo de Madrid hosted the presentation of the latest work by Emilio Delgado Martos, an architect and tenured professor at Francisco de Vitoria University. The event was part of the Madrid institution’s “Economics and Urban Planning” series.
During the session, a space for dialogue was created in which issues related to the nature of architecture and its contemporary relevance were discussed. The audience consisted of architects, educators, and professionals interested in urban planning and theoretical reflection.
The event has provided an opportunity to showcase the academic work of Francisco de Vitoria University in a cultural forum with a long history. The university’s participation is part of its commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue and to engaging in public discourse.
The presentation took the form of a conversation between Emilio Delgado Martos and architect Antonio Álvarez-Cienfuegos Rubio. Both have built their careers as founding partners of Estudio Arquitectura Hago, the architectural firm behind the UFV Chapel, among other projects.
The dialogue has replaced the traditional lecture format and has fostered an exchange of ideas on professional practice and the cultural dimension of architecture. The speakers shared common experiences related to renovation and heritage projects.
Hago Architecture Studio has gained international recognition and has been nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award. Its work is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach and a focus on historical and urban context.
During the conversation, questions were raised about the architect’s social responsibility and the role of architecture in shaping contemporary cities. The discussion bridged the gap between professional practice and academic reflection.
Under the title “What Is Architecture?”, Emilio Delgado Martos has proposed a conceptual reexamination that goes beyond the technical aspects of the discipline. The work presents an approach that incorporates philosophical and humanistic elements.
The author’s training as an architect at the Madrid School of Architecture (ETSAM) and his Ph.D. in Humanities and Social Sciences have shaped the book’s approach. The text examines how the built environment has reflected the worldview of each historical era.
The presentation emphasized that architecture has not been limited to meeting functional needs, but has also served to express cultural and social values. The exhibition invited viewers to consider the built environment as a tangible manifestation of a worldview.
With this publication, Francisco de Vitoria University has strengthened its presence in the field of architectural thought. The presentation at the Ateneo de Madrid has solidified the bond between the academic institution and the city’s cultural venues.
