In recent years, proctology has made significant progress thanks to the introduction of regenerative medicine, which harnesses the potential of autologous mesenchymal stem cells and cell growth factors. Dr. Marco Cosimi, a specialist in proctology, urology, general surgery, and vascular surgery, will guide us through this innovative therapeutic methodology, which has opened up new treatment opportunities for complex anorectal disorders.
Dr. Cosimi, what are the current therapeutic indications for the use of stem cells in proctology?
Regenerative therapy with autologous mesenchymal stem cells can currently provide a definitive and painless therapeutic response to the treatment of major proctological diseases. Even in complex situations such as anal fissures, it rapidly eliminates pain and local inflammation while repairing the damaged tissue by restoring it with biologically intact cells, without any scar tissue or complications, as happens with surgery. Autologous mesenchymal stem cells, taken from the same patient, have shown surprising results in the treatment of conditions like anal fissures, anal fistulas, and sacrococcygeal fistulas (https://metodocosimi.it/fistole/). The message is transmitted by the mesenchymal stem cells through microvesicles called exosomes, which are released into the healing biological tissue as well as into the patient’s bloodstream, triggering an immediate biological response from the body and promoting the reproduction of many other active mesenchymal stem cells that further assist in the repair of the damaged tissue.
Is this surgical procedure painful for the patient?
The procedure to collect stem cells is simple and painless for the patient. A modest liposuction of approximately 80 ml of subcutaneous fat tissue is performed through a minimal skin incision, without the need for any surgical sutures. The adipose tissue is then treated to extract only the cellular dilution of the microscopic stem cells present between the larger fat cells, which will be selectively removed. Only this liquid stem cell dilution will be injected into the damaged area. The technique is truly minimally invasive, allowing the patient to recover quickly from large and deep anal fissures, anal or sacrococcygeal fistulas without any post-operative pain. In fact, stem cells have a strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving biological action by nature. Additionally, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, without the need for hospitalization or a day hospital stay.
How do mesenchymal stem cells act once injected?
Once injected, mesenchymal stem cells begin to rapidly repair the damaged tissues while blocking pain. Research developments have highlighted the importance of exosomes, tiny particles that communicate with tissues and carry key bioactive DNA and RNA segments essential for stimulating healing and cellular homeostasis. Exosomes produced by stem cells are capable of modulating inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and optimizing the process of local cell regeneration. By combining the optimal use of exosomes produced through thermo-photoactive stimuli, which are induced in the stem cells immediately after their collection in the same outpatient laboratory, regenerative medicine now has the potential to revolutionize the treatment and rapid healing of certain proctological conditions with more effective, targeted, and less invasive approaches.
What do you believe is the future of Regenerative Proctology?
With advancements in medical research, these techniques have now become a true pillar of regenerative medicine, providing patients with more satisfactory and quicker results compared to the past. Mesenchymal stem cells and the exosomes produced by them offer the current pathway for the definitive treatment of complex and painful proctological diseases, without the need for invasive surgical interventions and eliminating the risk of surgical complications. In conclusion, the regenerative approach with autologous mesenchymal stem cells and the use of exosomes represents a significant step forward for proctology. These treatments are effective and non-invasive, allowing for the rapid recovery of all patient activities while ensuring the best therapeutic quality for patients suffering from anal fissures, anal or perianal fistulas, and sacrococcygeal fistulas.
In the field of aesthetic dentistry, ultra-thin ceramic dental veneers are one of the most popular solutions for those who wish to significantly improve the appearance of their smile, without compromising the health of their natural teeth. Dr Annapaola Manfredonia is one of the leading experts in this field, offering innovative customised treatments that combine aesthetics, functionality and well-being. Certified in Los Angeles in 2008 for the Lumineers technique with Robert Ibsen, Dr Manfredonia received both an award in the year 2022 as the first dentist in Italy for this method, and one in 2023 as many first dentists in Europe for the many cases treated but above all for the personalisation of smiles: ‘no smile is the same as another! Lumineers veneers improve the aesthetics of the smile without requiring the removal of enamel.
by Roberta Imbimbo
Dr Manfredonia, what are ultra-thin dental veneers? And when are they used?
Ceramic dental veneers are so thin that they resemble contact lenses in thickness, and are bonded to the outer surface of natural teeth without filing them down; the tooth under the veneer therefore remains intact and protected. Thanks to their characteristics, they are used to correct many imperfections: small teeth, teeth with stains, fractured teeth as their application can improve their shape and size as well as their colour.
What are the main advantages of Lumineers veneers over traditional veneers?
Veneers offer several advantages: First of all, they are a completely minimally invasive and painless treatment, which therefore requires neither local anaesthesia nor a drill. This obviously makes the patient’s overall experience more comfortable and relaxing, as the teeth do not have to be filed down. Secondly, as veneers are made of ceramic, they not only guarantee aesthetically impeccable results, but are also highly resistant and long-lasting. In fact, they do not need to be replaced because, with careful daily hygiene and periodic professional oral hygiene sessions, they can last for many years without ever changing their colour, retaining their lustre and beauty over time. They are, however, reversible because, as they do not restrict the teeth, they can be easily removed with a state-of-the-art laser; the tooth remains intact, as it was before the application.
Are ultra-thin veneers customisable?
Absolutely! In my practice, every smile is different and unique; veneers are custom-designed for each individual patient. Each smile is studied down to the smallest detail and completely customised according to the patient’s needs and wishes. When a person comes to my practice, through the visit, I always try to understand their motivation for wanting to change and improve their smile. I then create a personal mockup (instant design), i.e. a real simulation of the new ideal smile for that patient, by modelling a paste compound on the teeth and changing its shape, size and colour to adapt the smile to the patient’s lips and face. This resin is hardened with a lamp and so the patient in the mirror has a real perception of what his smile would look like. It is a kind of ‘tailor-made suit’, as I like to call it! This mockup is the basis on which, together with specialised technicians, we work to create the patient’s smile to perfection, through the render we study to the millimetre thicknesses, sizes and shapes until we arrive at the right proportions.
How long does it take to get the new smile?
Only two appointments are needed at the surgery: the first to take precision impressions and for the photographic study of both the smile and the patient’s face. The second, about three weeks later, for the application of dental veneers. These are bonded to the tooth enamel with a cement that has various colours, during the cementing phase the patient can still decide whether to make the veneers whiter or less white than the ones he ordered. The cement affects the colour of the veneer as it is ultra-thin and transparent.
What type of patient requires the application of veneers?
The demand for dental veneers has increased a lot in recent years, perhaps because advertising and social media show more and more beautiful, super-white smiles. The patients requesting them are both young and older people. Patients with the new smile improve their self-esteem and their relationship with others: they feel very confident and finally smile again, something they have not done for a long time because they were often ashamed of it.
For more information: annapaolamanfredonia@hotmail.it
Founded in 1981 under the initial name Tecnomeccanica Pontina, the Dal Sasso DS-Group is today a well-established reality on the Italian industrial scene. Specialised in the construction of thermoplastic steel moulds and the moulding of plastic products, the company, based in Aprilia (LT), has grown considerably over time, gaining a prominent position in the sector thanks to its ability to offer tailor-made solutions, capable of responding to the specific needs of each individual customer. Marco Dal Sasso, Commercial Director of the company, tells us the story of this Pontine excellence. by Roberta Imbimbo
Dal Sasso, with what mission was Dal Sasso DS-Group founded? Initially founded as a simple metalworking workshop, in the late 1990s the company focused its core business on the plastics sector, becoming an important reference point in the construction of thermoplastic steel moulds and the moulding of plastic products. This choice proved to be decisive for the exponential growth of our company, which today has more than 100 customers in 40 different sectors: from automotive to aeronautics, via electronics and rail. Our products are commissioned by Italian companies in numerous industrial sectors, which often export them all over the world. Dal Sasso Ds-Group is in fact an example of how a company rooted in the territory can grow and become a major player on the national and international scene, supporting companies in their global expansion with innovative, high quality products.
How important is the link with the territory for you? It is fundamental. Dal Sasso DS-Group has a strong presence in Lazio, with as much as 86% of its turnover generated in this region, which is the second largest economy in Italy after Lombardy. Lazio represents a pole of excellence for innovation, agribusiness, the service sector and pharmaceuticals. This highlights not only the company’s prominent position in the Lazio industrial landscape, but also its ability to respond effectively to the needs of a very dynamic clientele. We consciously chose to be a reference company first and foremost for local businesses and offer them solutions with an unbeatable quality/price ratio so that they could compete in global markets. Right from the start, we wanted to exploit the potential of a region that is becoming increasingly relevant in Italy and abroad, both in terms of innovation and attractiveness for businesses. In spite of the difficulties that are sometimes emphasised, the Lazio Region is instead experiencing a phase of strong growth thanks to the numerous entrepreneurial excellences in the area. Our company, too, contributes with its quality products to this evolution, strengthening the supply chain and affirming the distinctive value of Made in Italy on the international scene.
In a highly competitive market, what peculiarities distinguish you from your numerous competitors? In a highly competitive sector, Dal Sasso DS-Group has built its success on a few fundamental pillars. The ability to guarantee customised products, adherence to delivery schedules, and absolutely competitive prices have made the company the ideal partner for market-leading companies in Lazio and central Italy. A figure that confirms the effectiveness of this approach is that 80 per cent of the offers submitted over the past 12 years have been accepted by our customers; a clear sign of the company’s competitiveness and reliability. Dal Sasso DS-Group is now recognised as a strong, future-oriented business, ready to face future challenges with the same spirit of excellence that has characterised its growth over all these years. With a strong social responsibility, the company is actively committed to the welfare of the new generations, offering professional opportunities to young people in the area. This commitment not only fosters economic development, but also promotes a positive and lasting impact on the local community.
Social responsibility but also environmental responsibility. Sustainability has always been a topic close to your heart. What would you like to say about this? In the current environmental debate, plastic is often wrongly considered an enemy of nature. However, as a manufacturer of plastic components, we feel it is our duty to shed light on such a sensitive topic. The real enemy of the environment is not plastic itself, but those who throw it indiscriminately into the environment instead of disposing of it in separate waste collection where, as it is totally recyclable, it becomes a raw material again and again. Plastics, often cited as a major source of pollution, actually derive from 4% of crude oil processing waste and if this residue were not used for plastic production, it could instead turn into a hazardous waste, with far more damaging impacts on the environment. From an industrial point of view, plastic is therefore a product derived from a natural resource that, if used consciously and responsibly, not only does not harm the environment, but can be a valuable resource for a more circular and sustainable economy. It is also worth mentioning that from 2023, like other waste, disposing of plastic in the environment has changed from a fine to a criminal offence with fines of up to EUR 10,000 or even imprisonment. Moreover, it is an absolutely versatile material (it can be moulded into a wide range of shapes, colours and textures, making it suitable for many uses), and therefore irreplaceable and indispensable. Removing plastic from the market would have a number of negative impacts both economically and environmentally. It is therefore necessary to raise awareness towards a conscious, responsible and circular use of this very precious material, aiming at total recycling in full respect of the environment.
How important is human capital for you? Very much! It is our most important resource. During critical periods, the company has been able to count on the constant support and commitment of its employees (around fifty to date), who, demonstrating great professionalism and dedication, have continued to work with passion to ensure the company’s operational continuity and the quality of the products offered. This approach has made it possible not only to overcome the various difficulties that have followed one another over the years, but also to strengthen internal cohesion, making each team member feel an active part of the company’s recovery process. Our strength has therefore been to turn difficulties into opportunities to consolidate our team and grow together, turning challenges into opportunities to consolidate and improve our Group.
Future goals? Our future goals are clear and ambitious. The company will continue to focus on innovation, consolidating its commitment to the territory and investing in new technologies to remain at the forefront of the sector. A special focus will be placed on environmental sustainability with our Youtube channel, with the aim of promoting the responsible use of plastic, and its recycling. Dal Sasso DS-Group looks to the future with determination, ready to take on ever more ambitious challenges and to strengthen its role as a leading player in an ever-evolving Italian economy.
Obesity is a growing problem that has reached worrying proportions worldwide, with millions of people suffering from this pathological condition (according to the WHO, more than one billion people worldwide suffer from obesity and the numbers are those of an epidemic). This chronic condition – which has devastating effects on the health and well-being of individuals – affects all age groups, without geographic or social distinction. In many countries, it is considered a leading cause of death and one of the most significant risk factors for a number of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. ‘It is important to prevent and manage obesity from an early age, through diet, physical activity, and appropriate treatment,’ notes Dr. Paolo Piero Limone, a physician specialising in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Internal Medicine, Chief Emeritus of the Complex Structure of Endocrinology Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases at the Ospedale Mauriziano Umberto I in Turin and of the Centre for Thyroid Diseases. by Roberta Imbimbo
Dr Limone, obesity is a multidimensional problem. What are the underlying causes of this serious disease? The causes of obesity are complex and go far beyond the simple question of calories consumed. Genetic, hormonal, environmental and psychological factors all play a key role. Inadequate diet, excess calorie-dense food and sedentary lifestyle are the main factors that promote obesity. Modern societies, characterised by hectic and unphysical lifestyles, are a fertile incubator for the proliferation of obesity. Easy and cheap access to ultra-processed foods, rich in sugar and fat, is a major factor fuelling this pandemic that has a devastating impact on health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), obesity in fact increases the risk of developing several diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and some forms of cancer such as colon and breast cancer. A major concern of our times is that obesity is increasingly affecting children and adolescents. Data indicate that childhood obesity is on the rise, with consequent effects on the physical and psychological development of young people. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults, creating an intergenerational cycle of health problems.
How then to treat this disease? Prevention is the key word to stop this epidemic. Changes in eating habits, a greater commitment to physical activity, and raising awareness of the dangers of obesity (by promoting greater dietary and sports education, thus improving access to much healthier lifestyles) are key strategies. A balanced diet (low in simple sugars and animal fats) and regular exercise are the cornerstones of obesity therapy. In addition to lifestyle measures, however, we now have new, highly effective drugs that enable a reduction in body weight of up to 15-20% and are therefore becoming widely used: the problem with these drugs is that they should be used over long periods, if not chronically. In the most resistant cases, bariatric surgery, with interventions aimed at limiting nutrient absorption and food intake, can be a definitive solution to the problem. However, I reiterate that the optimal solution for reducing the impact of obesity on health remains primary prevention through the promotion of a healthy lifestyle from an early age. Thyroid disorders also affect millions of people worldwide, but are often diagnosed late or confused with other pathological conditions.
What are the main problems you encounter in these cases? The two main disorders of thyroid function are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, drowsiness, dry skin, brittle hair and sensitivity to cold, and in women, menstrual irregularities. The most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, involves excessive production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms may include rapid weight loss, nervousness, tachycardia, insomnia and excessive sweating. Thyroid nodules are also very common and often benign, but in some cases they can be a sign of cancer. Although thyroid cancer is generally less aggressive than other cancers, a highly specialised approach is essential to ensure effective treatment. A simple blood test to check TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels can provide important indications of how the thyroid gland is functioning, while for highlighting the presence of nodules and trying to understand their nature, ultrasound is definitely the best and simplest test. Further tests such as targeted blood tests or instrumental tests such as scintigraphy may then be necessary in the second instance. Thyroid disorders are often overlooked because symptoms can be confused with stress or other conditions. It is therefore essential to pay attention to the body’s signals and, if deemed necessary by the doctor, undergo specific check-ups. In case of suspicious symptoms or a diagnosis of thyroid disease, the best option is to consult a specialist, who will be able to assess the best course of action to manage the patient’s problem.
Established in June 2023 from the more than twenty years’ experience of its founding partners – Nadia Faggioli and Simone Manigrasso – Finsmart is an innovative and future-oriented company, highly specialised in Facilitated Finance for businesses. Operating throughout the country, its core business is to offer highly qualified and customised consultancy to businesses of all sizes, ensuring that each facilitated opportunity is optimised and exploited to the full (in fact, several cumulative facilitations can often be obtained on the same investment). ‘Non-repayable grants, low-interest loans, tax credits and innovation support programmes, made available by public bodies at local, regional and national level, are today able to support SMEs in their path of development and modernisation (minus one sentence),’ says Nadia Faggioli, co-founder of Finsmart. ‘Our team of experts follows every step of the process, guiding entrepreneurs towards the subsidised solutions that best suit their sector, project and development goals. There are several areas of intervention, from Industry 4.0 and 5.0 to internationalisation, from technological innovation to digital transition, passing through consultancy to start-ups, thus covering all the needs of companies in a 360-degree way.’ ‘In addition to the experience and professionalism gained over many years of activity, our strength lies in the fact that we build tailor-made solutions by shaping, in a precise, customised and strategic manner, the various financial facilities according to the specific needs of each individual business,’ adds Simone Manigrasso. ‘We like to define ourselves as true artisans of Facilitated Finance, able to guide companies through the complex dynamics of the facilitation world, offering tailor-made solutions that foster their growth, innovation and competitiveness. Whether investing in new technologies, developing sustainability projects or expanding their business abroad, Finsmart’s expert advice guides companies step by step, minimising risks and optimising subsidised financial opportunities.
Devup is much more than an HR consulting company with its heart in the development and growth of companies and people: it is in fact a concrete example of all-female leadership. Founded and led by a team of women – Elisa Nadiani, Daniela Bisetti and Veronica Bitelli – this Bologna-based excellence associated with Confindustria Emilia does not just offer traditional solutions, but aims to ‘promote tangible and lasting change and improvement, both in companies and in people,’ says Elisa Nadiani, co-founder and managing director of a company that shines on the market for innovation, competence and professionalism. ‘Devup is today a laboratory of ideas that shows the potential of an energetic, positive, passionate and future-oriented approach.The spirit that animates the entire team is the real driving force behind the success of a company that has grown rapidly in recent years, both in terms of turnover and organisational structure.
To respond in a targeted and effective manner to market needs, Devup has in fact been organised into Business Units, each focusing on a specific strategic area to optimise operations and improve the effectiveness of the solutions offered. Recruiting deals with the search and selection of complex profiles in both the public and private sectors. The People and Culture BU supports companies and PAs in the evolution of their organisational culture; with the DevupGym training, a real skills gym, coaching and counselling, assesment and organisational consulting, Devup consultants work alongside DHRs and entrepreneurs to co-construct innovative answers that meet the real needs of their or-ganisations. ‘Drop by drop we generate an ocean of opportunities together’ is the philosophy that encapsulates the essence of Devup. With its generative, transparent and flexible approach, flowing towards shared goals, Devup’s ‘Drop’ accompanies the navigation towards new routes and unexpected horizons with the awareness that each individual contribution and each interaction creates a significant impact and value for the whole system, turning challenges into possibilities and limits into new frontiers.
Ms Pacchiana, what are the main challenges that labour law is facing in adapting to the ever-changing world of business and work? The challenges are many and sudden. Some of them are induced by technological changes that are also modifying the paradigms on which labour law is built: while we are still metabolising the exit of labour from the factory and the loss of centrality of machines and plants, technology has built a world made up of artificial intelligence that is potentially self-managing. But it is not only the enterprise that is changing, ‘human capital’ has also profoundly changed: there is no longer ‘the’ subordinate worker on which to build a regulatory model. There are, instead, ‘the’ workers, some of whom are subordinates, others who collaborate in other forms, bearers of interests and needs that are also very different from each other, depending not only on the activity they perform but also on the profound cultural and social differences that distinguish them. The challenge of labour law, therefore, is to be able to give quick and certain answers to these diversified needs.
In an increasingly diversified context, how can labour law adapt to offer balanced and targeted solutions for each type of reality? In my view, it is necessary to abandon the idea of a single, generalised regulation of relations and leave more room for differentiated regulations, adaptable to the concrete context of reference. In this perspective, the role of collective bargaining becomes particularly crucial. It makes it possible to deal with complex issues with a degree of flexibility and timeliness that ordinary law cannot always guarantee. Collective bargaining must therefore be strengthened, first and foremost by direct intervention to ensure its effectiveness vis-à-vis individuals. But this is not enough. When the social partners, duly selected, are called upon to manage organisational situations with the company, it is necessary to recognise a sort of ‘licence’ of intangibility to the agreements concluded there, which would protect those operations from subsequent revisions. This is the only way to guarantee certainty and speed in responding to the ever-changing protection requirements affecting both parties to the relationship, by means of a negotiation with generalised and intangible effectiveness.
After many years of experience at Studio BussolettiNuzzo Avvocati in Rome, after returning to San Marino, Avvocato Matteo Mularoni gave life, starting from the early 2000s, to a highly innovative local reality, specialised in legal advice on corporate, commercial, banking and financial matters, within the Italian and San Marino legal systems, assisting mainly banks and companies. Thanks to a strategic vision and highly specialised know-how on issues that straddle the two legal systems, over the years the Firm has experienced constant and progressive growth (today the structure has approximately 30 units, including Italian and San Marino professionals). Recently then, the Firm has distinguished itself for having supported and followed the first systemic securitisation transaction carried out in the Republic of San Marino since the date of approval of Law no. 157 of 30 August 2021, concerning a portfolio of non-performing bank assets (NPLs) with a total gross book value of more than EUR 600 million. A system operation of great value (for investors and those involved), which has had a significant international echo and which in fact marked an important step forward in the management of impaired loans (NPLs). ‘This is a multi-originator operation and, without a shadow of a doubt, unique of its kind, aimed at reducing the weight of non-performing loans of all San Marino banks and other financial entities that, over time, have inherited bank-derived receivables,’ specifies lawyer Matteo Mularoni. ‘The securities issued were divided into three categories: senior, mezzanine and junior, with different risk and yield characteristics. The senior securities, with a nominal value of approximately EUR 70 million, benefited from the repayment guarantee provided by the Republic of San Marino and were rated by (among others) DBRS Morningstar. This allowed the Senior ABS to be placed on the international capital market, subscribed almost entirely by foreign institutional investors. The State also intervened in the Transaction by regulating the role of the Master Servicer (IGRC S.p.A.), participating with a minority stake. This operation saw the participation of major international players, demonstrating that the San Marino market is capable of attracting high-profile partners. The Arranger selection procedure, by public tender, led to the appointment of JP Morgan SE, one of the most important investment banks in the world; while Banca Guber S.p.A, an Italian bank known to be specialised in the recovery of securitised receivables, and Banca Finint S.p.A. acted as Advisor, providing assistance respectively to the Special Servicer (S3 – Special Servicer Sammarinese S.r.l.) and the Master Servicer (Istituto per la Gestione e il Recupero dei Crediti S.p.A. – IGRC). This first system securitisation transaction had a positive effect on the market; according to Fitch Ratings, there was a reduction in the gross rate of NPLs in the banking sector from 56.2% at the end of 2022 to 23.2% of total loans at the end of 2023, while NPLs, net of provisions, fell from 27.8% to 17.0%. As regards the trend of recoveries, at the end of 2024 a total of Euro 35,655,267.00 (gross value) had been collected, an amount greater than the Business Plan forecasts of over Euro 7,000,000 . As a result, already at the end of the first year of the transaction, the amount of the Senior Security was almost halved, to date amounting to approximately Euro 35,069,793, reducing – in just one year – the country risk by half. Therefore, this transaction not only contributed to improving the ratios of the Credit Institutions, but also allowed San Marino to enter the global financial market.
In the panorama of contemporary architecture, the Vittorio & Associati studio represents an example of constant innovation and research. Founded in Udine in 1996 by the Vittorio brothers, two young architects eager to continue the activity started in the 1960s by their father Alessandro, this all-Italian excellence, operating mainly in Northern Italy, stands out for its ability to give shape to architectural projects that often anticipate the needs and desires of a rapidly evolving society. Innovative projects that know how to combine functionality, sustainability and aesthetics. by Roberta Imbimbo
Arch. Pietro Vittorio, what is the core activity of the Studio? Founded in 1996 with the aim of becoming an important reference point in the field of architecture for public works, the firm immediately found itself facing very ambitious challenges. Thanks to a strategic vision and an innovative approach oriented towards sustainability and functionality, we have focused our activity on the design (integrated and conscious) and realisation (at 360 degrees) of spaces and structures intended for the community – real architectural works that are extremely functional and technologically advanced.
What kind of market are you operating in today? What peculiarities distinguish you from your competitors? In a very competitive, varied, and complex market, our most ambitious challenge has been to design and create innovative solutions capable of merging functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, and of reflecting local character and culture, integrating into the urban context, and enhancing the identity of the area. Over all these years, our main strength has undoubtedly been our desire to “differentiate” ourselves within a market that too often measures economic offerings as its sole yardstick. With the aim of growing significantly and increasing its presence in the territory, in 2017, after an update of the corporate structure, the firm decided to focus its activity exclusively on the design and construction of sports facilities; the decision to specialise in such a specific sector proved to be strategic, allowing us to develop highly specialised expertise, thanks to which we have learnt to read and interpret the specific needs of the various interlocutors, from public administrations to sports clubs, guaranteeing the creation of facilities that are welcomed with great interest by the sports world.Another distinctive element with high added value and competitive edge is the ability to offer strictly qualified and customised consultancy, tailored to the needs of each individual client. Each project is handled with the utmost care and competence by a team of professionals who work in synergy to guarantee tailor-made solutions, involving the client from the very beginning, trying to understand his objectives and develop them as best as possible.
Can you give us some examples of projects realised by the firm? Among our most important projects, I would like to mention the recent redevelopment of the Palasport in Trento, a modern facility dedicated to a wide range of sports activities, with a particular focus on basketball, volleyball, and major indoor events; and the renovation of the historic Grezar Stadium in Trieste, the only eight-lane athletics facility in Friuli. The facilities were designed with innovative materials, aiming to minimise environmental impact. The element that has always distinguished us most is that we have been able to transform our great passion for sport into our profession. A passion that has fuelled and shaped our professional path, leading us to specialise in the design of sports facilities, with the aim of creating structures that are not only functional, but also able to transmit the enthusiasm, vitality and energy that sport brings.
Ecological transition is a crucial issue in the world of architecture. How do you integrate sustainability principles into your projects? In the context of public works, it is extremely important to comply with the regulations in force, including the Public Contracts Code, which regulates public works contracts. A key aspect of this regulation is the inclusion of the DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) code, a clause that requires that projects financed with public funds must not cause significant harm to the environmental and social objectives defined in European legislation. In other words, the inclusion of the DNSH code in public contract regulations implies that no project financed by European, national or regional funds must adversely affect the environment, biodiversity, health and well-being of people. This includes, for example, adopting building and design practices that reduce carbon emissions, promote energy efficiency, conserve natural resources and protect air and water quality. This principle, which was initially introduced by the PNRR funds, fascinated us immediately because it is far from being a regulatory imposition or a certification to be obtained; it provides new parameters on which to reason in order to obtain buildings that are better performing, more resilient, and more capable of adapting to current climate change. The firm is therefore committed to ensuring that each project meets the minimum requirements imposed by the DNSH code, to respond in a concrete and innovative way to the environmental challenges of our time.
How to correctly balance innovative design, functionality and sustainability? In the world of architectural design, especially in the field of sports facilities, balancing innovative design, functionality and sustainability is a constant challenge; balancing the three is very difficult and not always possible. We believe that functionality should still be the predominant principle to be respected, as each facility must meet concrete and practical needs, guaranteeing efficiency, accessibility and comfort. Which architectural strategies can reduce the environmental impact of buildings? I believe that more than materials and good design, it is the initial choices that decide the fate of a building over time. A careful analysis of the client’s needs, the context and the available resources, combined with a clear vision of the final objectives, makes it possible to effectively direct each phase of the work, from the initial design to the final realisation. A project that is well conceived from the outset is bound to remain functional and effective, easily maintainable, containing consumption and responding to the concrete needs of users.
Which recently realised projects inspire your vision of ecological transition? In Lozzo di Cadore, in the province of Belluno, we recently realised a project that we were very enthusiastic about for its harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape. The new building, which is an example of how architecture can blend tradition and innovation, is in fact inspired by the Tabià, a typical rural mountain building in the Dolomites, a construction that represents the cultural heritage and historical identity of these lands. This reference to tradition is a distinctive aspect of the new construction, which thus fits harmoniously into the mountain landscape, respecting historical memory and becoming a symbol of local identity. Traditional materials are used and rethought in the light of modern needs, but without losing their identity and charm: wood, stone, sheet metal. Interior spaces are reorganised in a more functional and modern way.
What qualities do you consider essential for an architect of the future? The fundamental qualities for an architect of the future are many and go beyond pure technical competence. Indeed, over the last 25 years, the figure of the architect has undergone a radical change, adapting to the challenges of a constantly evolving world. If in the past the architect was seen primarily as an artist, a creator of forms and structures that reflected aesthetic beauty, today he has become a highly specialised technician, an expert capable of responding to the needs of an ever-changing context. Those who have not noticed this evolution have inevitably remained behind, unable to meet the challenges that the market and society demand. Today, we can no longer speak of architects as omniscient figures, possessing total knowledge in every field of the discipline. The reality is that architecture has become an increasingly fragmented profession, requiring highly specific skills in different fields. The architect of the future must also learn to be his or her own entrepreneur, a leader capable of managing his or her business effectively and intelligently; he or she must also become a strategist capable of entrepreneurial thinking, with a clear vision of how to manage his or her business and make it grow over time. The transition from architect “artist” to architect “entrepreneur”, however, requires a profound change in mentality. Only in this way will the architect be able to meet modern challenges and prosper in an ever-changing landscape.
Are you also involved in the training of young architects? Where does this passion come from? Yes, I enthusiastically dedicate myself to the training of young architects, aware that the future of the profession depends on the ability to transmit not only technical knowledge, but also values, passion and entrepreneurial skills. My passion for training has grown over the years, maturing from direct experience in the field and from the realisation that architecture, like any other discipline, is not static, but constantly evolving. I believe that today’s young architect must be prepared for a rapidly changing world, where in addition to design, it becomes essential to be one’s own entrepreneur and to be able to adapt to new technological, social and environmental challenges. My passion for education stems from my conviction that architecture is not just a profession, but a real mission, which implies a constant commitment to improving cities, spaces and people’s quality of life. Sharing this vision with young people is an opportunity that I consider fundamental.It is not just a matter of passing on notions, but of inspiring, stimulating curiosity and encouraging critical and innovative thinking. Personally, I think one of the most gratifying things is to see how young architects grow, become aware of their skills and start designing with an eye to the future, to innovation, but also to the social and ethical responsibility that every designer should have. Moreover, the confrontation with the new generations is for me an opportunity for continuous updating. Young people bring freshness, enthusiasm and a different vision, often more technological and less bound to traditions, which is equally important. This mutual exchange enriches them as much as me, creating an environment of continuous growth and stimulation.
Geology, as a fundamental science for understanding our planet, faces many challenges today. We spoke about this with Professor Pierluigi Musto, a geologist and author of numerous articles on the subject, who gave us an overview of the most pressing issues in this field and the future of the discipline. by Roberta Imbimbo
Professor Musto, geology is a science that has always played a fundamental role in understanding our planet. In your opinion, what are the most urgent challenges facing geologists today? Geology is a multidisciplinary science, embracing different specialist fields such as geophysics, geochemistry, palaeontology and geomorphology. Each must play its part in understanding the complex dynamics of the earth. We know the areas at greatest seismic risk and those that may be affected by volcanic eruptions, and we must carry out in-depth research to prevent and mitigate the related risks, also in relation to landslides and hydrogeological instability. Geologists are involved in the protection of urban heritage and also in the search for and supply of endogenous resources.
One of the biggest challenges we are facing concerns the understanding and management of geological hazards. Phenomena such as landslides, floods and earthquakes are becoming more frequent and intense. Can you tell us about them? The management of geological risks is very complex: earthquakes at the moment are absolutely unpredictable, so it is necessary to think in terms of risk prevention and mitigation. The figure and professionalism of the geologist are important for the management of the territory also linked to the dangers of landslides, and all the phenomena that can be triggered off by climate change. The widespread use of land, all too often without criteria, creates management and safety problems in relation to extreme events, but increasingly also to ordinary events. Adequate investment is needed to mitigate the risks associated with these important environmental issues.
Could you tell us about some recent innovations that are changing the field of geology? In recent decades, great strides have been made. Geology studies and investigates an “above” and an “below”. The practitioner carries out field analyses, to which are added soundings and geophysical surveys. The “Neapolitan school” was the protagonist of an enormous innovative period in the understanding of the geological evolution of our country. The professors of the University of Naples “Federico II” in the period when I was a student, were the authors of significant reinterpretations on various research topics. I believe that a congress of the Italian Geological Society held in Sorrento in 1987, where numerous multidisciplinary scientific contributions were presented with heated and in-depth debates, was fundamental. The foundations were laid for further challenges in the knowledge and understanding of complex phenomena. Since then, further steps have been taken, also with the fundamental help of technology. One of the examples I experience as a Phlegrean citizen is the evolution in our knowledge of bradyseism, about which little or nothing was known in the 1970s and of which we now have more knowledge. I believe it is essential to emphasise that in the sciences, new problems often arise with every step forward, and thus new challenges in accordance with progress and the scientific method. In recent decades, even in the field of technical geology, great strides have been made with the progressive refinement of methods for safeguarding the urban heritage and the environment.
Climate change is a central issue of our time. What role can geology play? In addition to the purely technical aspects I mentioned earlier, it is through geology that we understand how the climate on earth has undergone considerable variations well before the advent of man. The Quaternary era was characterised by cold (glacial) periods alternating with warm (interglacial) ones. The analyses and studies in this regard are fascinating and very complex. Understanding how nature can influence and interact with climate change helps to isolate its causes and improve the “man-environment” relationship.
What is your vision for the future of geology in the near future? This question deserves special and specific investigation as research is always active and fundamental to progress in every area of geology. Geophysics has many aspects yet to be clarified: a better understanding of the interior of our planet, its dynamics and all related aspects. The same applies to understanding the evolution of palaeoenvironments with the various tectonic and climatic implications, etc. Another field is the research and study of geo-resources: oil fields, reservoirs for water supply, geothermal energy. These are just some of the challenges in the field, and certainly of great interest. We cannot forget the monitoring of landslides, the analysis of the territory in relation to hydrogeological instability in the broadest sense; all aspects that deserve great attention.
How do you see the relationship between journalism and geology? How can these two fields work together to raise public awareness of issues related to our planet? In your opinion, what is the role of geologists in providing accurate information to the media about natural phenomena? Research Institutions and the Professional Order of Geologists do important and delicate work both in understanding the various phenomena and in preventing related risks. Journalism can play a fundamental role in the correct dissemination of the various topics without seeking sensationalism through perhaps catchy but often misleading headlines. I am a great advocate of scientific communication, the difficulty is often in the language as it must be rigorous but understandable to the population.
When it comes to geological phenomena, such as earthquakes or landslides, what is the most important information the public should receive from the media? In this regard, the Civil Defence has already been running an “I do not risk” project for some time. This has also been proposed in schools and it would be a good idea to disseminate it periodically. Here is the link:https://iononrischio.protezionecivile.it/it/
What do you think about the increasing attention to climate change and geological risk issues in the media? In recent years, with the advent of the internet and social media, it is easier to find scientific information, even through the dissemination of scientific publications; too often we run into the big problem that interpretations are given without having a sound knowledge and expertise on the subject. In short, as in football: everyone is a coach, in this sector everyone becomes a seismologist, geologist or climatologist. All this easily creates confusion with repercussions also in the social sphere. Remember that publications, which are validated by reviewers, may happen to provide conflicting data, this is part of the normal discussion in the strictly scientific sphere. Those who popularise science in my opinion have a central role: they must be able to communicate in a neutral capacity in order to provide as broad a view as possible on the various scientific topics. Science does not provide “absolute truths”, but at the same time any information must be supported by official and robust data. The latter must be sourced from official bodies!!!
How do you see the future of geological communication? Is there any aspect of geology that, in your opinion, the media should start covering more frequently and with more attention? Geological communication can and must follow the various events: 30 years ago, for example, there was no talk of climate change. As a Phlaegrean citizen, during the crisis of 1982-84 there was extensive journalistic coverage of the bradyseism phenomenon; today, information has evolved further with the advent of the internet. The media follow the evolution of the scenarios; the Italian territory has such geological characteristics that the topics to be covered are many, but in general the focus on prevention and risk mitigation, in my opinion, must be extremely important.
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