The PNA International Forum will swing open its doors on June 12th and 13th, 2025, an unmissable event dedicated to the enduring essence of authentic natural stone.

Drawn by its timeless allure, a material that has always spoken to human hands, shaping spaces and ideas, the PNA International Forum is set to grace the Venetian landscape as a pivotal moment for reflecting on the inherent authenticity of such a fundamental element.

"Stone is…" serves as the guiding principle behind this initiative, thoughtfully conceived by the PNA Network. The Aula Magna Tolentini at IUAV University, a vibrant hub of intellectual exchange, will welcome a distinguished lineup of architects, engineers, designers, institutions, companies, and professionals. This promises to be an invaluable opportunity to hear from leading voices and engage with international perspectives, notably including the unmistakable style of Peter Eisenman. 

The role, almost the very soul, of authentic natural stone will be thoroughly explored through a series of sessions and analyses organized into six thematic areas. This journey of discovery is designed primarily for the architects of tomorrow, as Raffaella Laezza, architect and scientific coordinator of the Forum, aptly points out, drawing on her significant experience within the IUAV Emergency Temporary Circular Architecture Master program.

The "ORIGINS" section invites us to revisit the very genesis of the material, considering stone as a foundational element, predating all its derivatives. The ambitious yet vital goal is a design approach that can interpret and construct a truly sustainable urban landscape. Speakers include Kinue Horikawa from the Angelo Mangiarotti Foundation and Walter Mariotti, Editorial Director of Domus, media partner of the event.

Under the "QUARRIES" theme, we will venture into the places where stone comes to life, including some of the world's most significant marble quarries, such as Candoglia and Carrara, narrated through the insights of those intimately familiar with their rhythms and unique characteristics, like Francesco Canali, Director of the Construction Sites of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano.

"STONE DNA_GENETICS OF THE PROJECT" will gather some of contemporary architecture's most visionary figures, those who have successfully imbued stone with a veritable genetic code for works that engage with the urban fabric and its history, often dedicated to culture, such as cultural hubs, libraries, and museums. Notable attendees include Peter Eisenman, architect and esteemed intellectual from Yale University, and Suguro Watanabe, a sensitive interpreter of the philosophy of Kengo Kuma & Associates.

The "CONSTRUCTION SITES_CO2 CHECK UP" section will tackle a critical issue of our time: sustainability. National and international experts will guide us through the LCA process in the use of stone and the methodologies for calculating carbon footprint, with insightful contributions from mining engineer Claudia Chiappino.

"URBAN ARCHIPELAGO_METAMORPHIC" will offer a window into the transformations shaping our cities, driven by new projects that feature stone as a key element, with the incisive analysis of urban ecologist and New York Institute of Technology professor Giovanni Santamaria.

Finally, crossing into the realms of design and contemporary art, the "DO YOU STONE ART?" section will unveil the expressive potential of contemporary art forms in dialogue with natural stone thanks to the presence of Angela Vettese, art critic and contemporary art historian, as well as the young and talented artist and designer Najla El Zein.

The PNA International Forum is an initiative stemming from the passion and expertise of the Rete di Imprese Pietra Naturale Autentica (Network of Authentic Natural Stone Companies), a collective of over forty companies dedicated to promoting and safeguarding this extraordinary material.

Participation in this opportunity for reflection and exchange is free, subject to registration, and will qualify for continuing education credits.

This is an event not to be missed for those who view stone not just as a building material, but as a living element capable of telling stories and inspiring the future.