Academy of Architecture
Logo USI
Italiano

Inaugural event of the new Institute for Sustainable Architecture and Technology (IAST)

5a0b233182031e5644e13c0239788aea.jpg

Institutional Communication Service

8 April 2026

Following its establishment on 15 September 2025, the new Institute for Sustainable Architecture and Technology (IAST) at Università della Svizzera italiana will host its official inauguration on Thursday, 16 April 2026. Held at the Agorà Lio Galfetti in Palazzo Canavée, Mendrisio, the event is dedicated to showcasing the Institute's research outlook and academic initiatives.

IAST was founded to promote an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to architecture—one that successfully bridges adaptive reuse, structural engineering, digital technology, and sustainability strategies. As part of the USI Academy of Architecture, the Institute shares its experimental spirit and the constant dialogue between theory and practice, design and construction. IAST operates across regional, national, and global levels, with a specific focus on enhancing the built environment and redefining sustainable methods and materials. Primary research areas include building conservation, the development of low-emission structural systems, advanced digital technologies (such as computational design and robotic fabrication), and circular economy strategies. By bringing together cross-disciplinary expertise, the Institute supports a wide range of activities, including research projects, keynote lectures, exhibitions, and public events, all aimed at advancing the field of sustainable architecture and technologies.

The inaugural event on 16 April will provide an opportunity to present the institute and its areas of focus officially. The programme will be as follows:

  • 14:00–14:10 Institutional greetings from Prof. Gabriele Balbi, Interim Rector of USI, and Prof. Riccardo Blumer, Director of the Academy of Architecture
  • 14:10–14:20 Introduction to the IAST by Prof. Ena Lloret-Fritschi, Director of the Institute of Sustainable Architecture and Technology
  • 14:20–15:00 Presentations by the steering committee: Prof. Muck Petzet, Co-Director of IAST; Prof. Franz Graf; Prof. Mario Monotti; Prof. Ena Lloret-Fritschi
  • 15:00–15:20 Presentations by IAST members
  • 15:20–15:35 Coffee break
  • 15:35–16:15 Keynote lecture by Nicolai Bo Andersen, Royal Danish Academy
  • 16:15–17:00 Round table discussion with members of the steering committee and the institute
  • 17:00 Drinks reception

Attachments

Print