Second edition of Manni Group’s Master in Off-site Technologies for Architecture: urban redevelopment for the future of cities

Second edition of Manni Group’s Master in Off-site Technologies for Architecture: urban redevelopment for the future of cities

On December 3, 2024, the ADI Design Museum in Milan hosted the launch of the second edition of the Master in Off-site Technologies for Architecture, a high-level educational initiative promoted by Manni Group in collaboration with YACademy. This prestigious event brought together leading experts and renowned sponsors to discuss the critical role of urban redevelopment in decarbonizing the construction sector.

A globally relevant educational program

Manni Group, a global player in the steel construction sector, reaffirms its commitment to promoting off-site technologies with an advanced program designed for young architects and engineers. Following the success of the first edition, which welcomed 15 students from 4 continents, the second edition has achieved significant growth: 21 students from 15 countries, underscoring the increasing interest in innovative construction methods.

The program, supported by Rockwool as the Main Sponsor and BASF as a Sponsor, is further strengthened by endorsements from Edera, Fondazione Promozione Acciaio, UNICMI, ADI, EURAC, and ILFI.

This edition features internationally acclaimed instructors such as Giovanni De Niederhausern (Pininfarina), Claudia Romero (Politecnica), Giulio Rigoni (BIG Bjarke Ingels Group), Aser Gímenez Ortega (MVRDV), and Grazia Marrone (Politecnico di Milano).

The project workshop, led by Nicola Scaranaro of Foster + Partners in collaboration with Urban Up | Unipol Group, focuses on the redevelopment of urban peripheries, addressing crucial themes like reducing environmental impact and promoting social inclusion.

A high-impact launch event

The launch conference opened with a debate on the importance of urban redevelopment, featuring key speakers such as Francesco Manni (Chairman of Manni Group), Enrico Frizzera (CEO of Manni Group), Luciano Galimberti (President of ADI), and Massimiliano Morrone (CEO of UnipolSai Investimenti SGR), moderated by Thomas Miorin, CEO of Edera. 

Among the standout contributions, Michele Calcaterra, Senior Lecturer at SDA Bocconi School of Management, introduced the ESG Property Score model, a cutting-edge system for assessing sustainability and corporate responsibility, particularly in sectors like real estate where decisions have a lasting impact on communities and the environment.
The ESG Property Score model, explained Calcaterra, was developed by the REPAiR Lab at SDA Bocconi, commissioned by the REbuilding Network, which includes Manni Group. It is the first reliable benchmark for integrated sustainability assessment of buildings. This tool not only evaluates the environmental and social dimensions of a building but also promotes decisions that create long-term value for communities. It represents a pivotal step in steering the construction sector towards more sustainable and responsible practices.

Architect Francesca Singer also captivated the audience. A Partner at SANAA Architects since 2021, the Tokyo-based award-winning studio, Singer highlighted the example of the New Urban Campus for Bocconi University in Milan, a project embodying the principles of urban redevelopment.
As Singer explained, Milan has long been a living laboratory of urban transformation. The Bocconi SDA Campus is not just an academic hub but an intervention that redefines the relationship between architecture, territory, and community. This project successfully addressed the challenges of a metropolitan context, delivering tangible benefits to the neighborhood and contributing to the city's renewal. SANAA's approach stands out for its ability to create functional spaces that encourage interaction between people and the urban environment, offering a concrete example of how architecture can drive social change.

The mission of the Master program

The Master in Off-site Technologies for Architecture is a cornerstone of Manni Group’s vision: promoting sustainable and innovative architecture that contributes to decarbonizing the construction sector. Supported by prominent sponsors and partners, this educational path establishes itself as a platform of excellence for future professionals.