STONE CULTURE EDUCATIONTRAINING COURSES IN UNIVERSITIES AND THE PROFESSION

One of the sectors where Marmomacc has made major efforts in recent years concerns the training area both in university spheres and the professional field.
Education to ensure a correct culture of stone, at a time like the present characterised by widespread design experimentation taking new energy from contemporary and traditional materials alike, demands training at university level but also among professionals.
As regards the latter, VeronaFiere has organised for more than ten years education programmes with prestigious professional institutions on an international scale: with AIA, American Institute of Architects, for which Marmomacc is an exclusive provider and authorised to offer training in stone design to US architects; with RIBA, the professional association of British architects, and RAIC, the association of Canadian architects.
On a national level, January 2009 saw the start of the first University Master Course for graduates and professionals focusing on “Architecture and construction. Contemporary Design with Stone” organised by the Department of Design at Milan Polytechnic University in collaboration with Marmomacc and numerous companies in the stone industry. Directed by Marina Molon and Massimiliano Caviasca, the master course offers specific training and the acquisition of technical skills regarding the production and contemporary use of stone materials for professionals intending to take up design with stone and marble.
Over and above courses and masters for Italian and international professionals, VeronaFiere for many years has been a promoter, patron and supporter of training activity in design using stone materials at numerous Italian and international architecture and engineering universities, in collaboration with companies in the natural stone industry from various production areas.
Universities that have signed agreements with Marmomacc to organise stone design courses include Milan Polytechnic University – Mantua Regional Centre with a High Specialisation course guided by Massimiliano Caviasca, now at its fourth edition; the Faculty of Architecture – Ferrara University, organises the Course in Stone Construction held by Alfonso Acocella and Vincenzo Pavan, focusing on the design of an observatory for the landscape and integrated by a series of lectures and “lectio magistralis” by international protagonists in stone architecture; the Faculty of Engineering – Trento University, organises a course in stone design coordinated by Massimiano Caviasca for students taking the degree course in Building Engineering -Architecture.
Universities where Marmomacc is a promoter and patron of training courses in the use of stone materials include: the Faculty of Architecture – Pescara University, organises courses held by Francesco Girasante and Domenico Potenza dealing with the use of stone in the contemporary habitat; the International Stage of Brignoles-Toulon focuses on “Stereotomy and Construction of Stone Architecture” coordinated by Giuseppe Fallacara for the Faculty of Architecture – Bari Polytechnica University and by Luc Tamborero for the Ecole d’Architecture Paris Malaquais.
In keeping with tradition, the appointment with Marmomacc will be a significant moment of comparison and exchange of experiences between the various universities involved in these design programmes with stone materials. The Exhibition (30 September – 3 October) will organise a show of selected works produced by students attending courses in 2008-2009 and a round table with participants including professors and students from various universities.