A consolidated partnership that proudly crosses the twenty-year milestone.
Fassa Bortolo together with the Department of Architecture of the University of Ferrara to promote excellence and young talents in the world of design, thus fostering the continuous growth of the entire building industry.
A collaboration that translates into the realisation of awards with an international scope, joint training programmes and continuous laboratory research.
International Award for Sustainable Architecture
Promoting excellence in the world of design is one of the effective actions for the long-term growth of the entire building industry. The creation of the “International Award for Sustainable Architecture” dates back to 2003. An award, determined by an international jury, for projects that know how to respect and coexist with the surrounding environment, looking at sustainability as a distinguishing feature of the project itself.
In just a few years, the Award has attracted and involved major professionals from the international architectural scene, which is why the “Italian Award for Sustainable Architecture” was also introduced in 2014, held every two years and devoted to Degree, Doctorate or Post-graduate Master’s theses, to encourage the participation of new graduates and enhance research in Italian universities and training institutes with a specially dedicated event. Since its inception, the initiative has received over two thousand applications from designers and new graduates.
Domus Restoration and Preservation International Award
As the Department of Architecture of the University of Ferrara was celebrating its twentieth anniversary, fresh from the positive experience of the International Award for Sustainable Architecture, we came up with the idea of creating an “Domus Restoration and Preservation International Award” in 2010. Aware of how important the recovery of historical architectural heritage is, both economically and culturally, we decided to reward restorations, or related projects, that are respectful of the past but also enhance it by resorting to contemporary forms of expression. The award is assigned, every other year, to completed works or to projects developed as theses: it is therefore an opportunity to showcase on the one hand designers, whether young or established, and the companies involved in the works, and on the other hand deserving new graduates to support them in their future careers. The aim of the award is to promote excellence in the entire building industry, an essential condition for the entire sector to grow.
Lastly, to keep an international approach and at the same time be deeply rooted in the local area, a Fassa Bortolo Special Award has been introduced within the international award, exclusively intended for those projects that have used Fassa products in their development.
FassArchitettura
If awards are meant to make excellence more visible, for this visibility to translate into a concrete example, it is necessary to encourage the dissemination of technical information regarding best practices. Fassa Bortolo, again in collaboration with the Department of Architecture of the University of Ferrara, has created a database of designs and creations of complex and articulated works of architecture containing all the award-winning projects with the relative initiative dedicated to Restoration and Sustainable Architecture. A completely free interactive archive, with case studies featuring technical drawings and high-definition photography, is made available to professionals so that they can deepen their understanding of the innovative methodologies described.
Publications: promoting projects and innovative research
Fassa Bortolo and the University of Ferrara also collaborate in the publication of architectural projects and theoretical considerations that highlight the evolution of the industry. These publications, such as “Giovani progettisti tra ricerca e innovazione” (Young designers between research and innovation) feature a selection of the best projects participating in the Fassa Bortolo Italian Sustainable Architecture Award, highlighting the link between human beings and sustainable architecture.
With these initiatives, the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage, Fassa Bortolo and the University of Ferrara promote innovative research, stimulate debate and contribute to the evolution of architecture.
Giovani progettisti tra ricerca e innovazione
A cura di Marcello Balzani e Luca Rossato
Maggioli Editore, 2022
Architettura e sostenibilità
A cura di Marcello Balzani e Roberto Di Giulio
Skira Editore, 2021
Architettura e preesistenze
A cura di Marcello Balzani e Riccardo Dalla Negra
Skira Editore, 2017
Restauro, Recupero, Riqualificazione
A cura di Marcello Balzani
Skira Editore, 2011
Architetture per un territorio sostenibile. Città e paesaggio tra innovazione tecnologica e tradizione.
A cura di Marcello Balzani e Nicola Marzot
Skira Editore, 2010
Architettura Sostenibile. Una scelta responsabile per uno sviluppo equilibrato.
A cura di Gianluca Minguzzi
Skira Editore, 2008
Ongoing Research: Innovative Technologies and Materials
The partnership with the University of Ferrara extends into the search for innovations in materials and digital technologies, as demonstrated during the Restoration Day in Ferrara, where two significant examples were presented.
The first was the development of plasters combined with phase change materials (PCM) to improve the thermal insulation of buildings, in collaboration with the university’s TekneHub Laboratory.
The second concerned the development of digital BIM (Building Information Modeling) products for Autodesk Revit, which facilitate integrated and efficient design.
These research initiatives with the Ferrara campus aim to deliver innovative, sustainable and advanced solutions, contributing to the advancement of the building industry and, at the same time, to the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage.
Training: Workshops and seminars for innovation in the building industry
In collaboration with the University of Ferrara, Fassa Bortolo organises workshops and seminars throughout Italy, with a format that combines theory and practice. The events, accredited by Professional Associations, allow participants to apply technological solutions to practical cases, attend expert presentations and engage in group work. The format includes samples, mentors and practical cases, offering a unique opportunity for professional development and collaboration.
These meetings contribute to the professional growth and development of the industry by promoting a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach between industry and academia.
