During the event “Sguardi sulla Materia: La Verità del fare tra architettura e arte” (Views on Matter: The Truth of Making between Architecture and Art) organized the 27th of June by Diasen – a leading company in the production of innovative solutions based on the sustainability of Mediterranean materials and the regenerative virtues of cork – new visions and innovations in the fields of art and architecture were presented to an audience of more than 400 people gathered at the Roman Aquarium. The event featured some of the most important figures in contemporary design, including Steven Holl, moderated by Walter Mariotti, Editorial Director of Domus, the event’s media partner, who introduced the event by addressing the significant theme of the concept of regeneration in postmodernity.

The speech by Diego Mingarelli, President of Diasen, highlighted – referring to the three fundamentals of Vitruvian vision, to which he added sustainability – how materials, now more than ever, must express something beyond aesthetics, not being seen as inert, but as living elements, with an active and dynamic role in the overall project.

Architect Mino Caggiula, a student of Steven Holl, presented some of his projects, emphasizing the fundamental research key in his work: the attention to proportions, the continuous research on materials, the use of elements such as water and light, as well as the exercise of maintaining a state of consciousness always open to the new, which is essential to relate to a constantly evolving world, where the hybridization of various disciplines integrates into a holistic vision.

The event concluded with a lecture by Steven Holl, entitled “Art Drives Architecture”: an in-depth look at the ability of art to inspire, guide, and influence architectural production, opening new perspectives and challenges for the future of design and sustainability. Holl particularly focused on the concept of light as a material, an element that brings spaces to life, shapes, and transforms them, creating unique atmospheres and sensations. It is through light, according to Holl, that buildings breathe and interact with their surrounding environment.