Marmomac 2024, culture and education dedicated to natural stone

20.09.2024

Verona, September 2024 - Marmomac is preparing to welcome architects, designers, professionals, and students from all over the world, with a cultural and educational program that grows richer year after year. From September 24th to 27th, Verona becomes the center of workshops, conferences, debates, and seminars, all focused on exploring the infinite potential of natural stone and reflecting on its future in the world of contemporary architecture and design.

For the 2024 edition as well, the areas dedicated to education and culture are two: The Plus Theatre in pavilion 10, and the Cinema Area within A Matter of Stone, in pavilion 1. These spaces are the beating heart for those who wish to delve into the creative and technical aspects of natural stone, through highly advanced training moments.

In Pavilion 1, the courses organized by Marmomac Academy take place, accredited by professional orders of architects in Italy, the United Kingdom (RIBA), and the United States (AIA). Participants can delve into technical topics of great interest, from the classification and selection of stones based on their intended use, to chromatic enhancement in stone projects, to the latest processing and maintenance techniques. Talks, meetings, and case studies also explore new technological frontiers, with a focus on the aesthetic, artistic, and functional aspects of natural stone. Notable events include a talk by the renowned architect, designer, and artist Ron Arad in collaboration with Elle Decor on Thursday, September 26th at 4:00 PM, as well as Stone Lovers presented by Platform Architecture & Design at the same time on Tuesday, September 24th, featuring the participation of important international architectural studios.

Elle Decor, in addition to engaging in dialogue with Ron Arad, organizes two significant talks: the first dedicated to the use of natural stone in international contract projects through a comparison between the editors of the Italian, UK, and USA editions of Hearst magazine; the second, featuring Henry Timi, master craftsman and designer, who discusses the importance of stone in interior design.

The Plus Theatre, on the other hand, hosts a series of meetings with the authors of the cultural projects exhibited in the pavilion, offering further insights for educational enrichment, based on the concrete experiences of those who have carried out these works. Among the most anticipated events is Marmomac Meets Academies, an initiative that connects the academic world with that of companies, thanks to the presence of prototypes created by students from universities and international institutes.

Marmomac plays a fundamental role in promoting natural stone globally through its organized incoming activities. In collaboration with Confindustria Marmomacchine and ITA - Italian Trade Agency, it is expected that over 270 architects and professionals from 44 countries will come to Verona, joining the delegation from Greece, Malta, Poland, France, Great Britain, Ireland, and the Czech Republic, curated by Platform Architecture & Design.

There is no shortage of celebratory moments, such as the Best Communicator Award, now in its 16th edition, which rewards the most original and incisive exhibition concept. The jury is made up of authoritative figures such as the architect and professor of communication and exhibit design Aurelio Chinellato, the journalist Maria Adelaide Marchesoni, Amanda Ferber, founder, CEO and Editor-in-chief of Architecture Hunter, and a representative of ArtVerona, to underline the strong synergy between architecture and art. Also back is the A Matter of Stone Award, reserved for the best design installation in Hall 1. And again, two important awards for those who, in the context of their activity, have distinguished themselves in enhancing the marble sector and the economy of the territory: the Mastri della Pietra and the Donna del Marmo, an award created by the Le Donne del Marmo Association. 

Marmomac 2024 confirms itself not only as an international commercial event, but also as a cultural and educational reference platform, capable of spreading the culture of natural stone to an increasingly wide global audience interested in expanding their knowledge of this ancient material.