Venice is buzzing with anticipation for "Stone is…". On June 12 and 13, 2025, IUAV University will host an international forum dedicated to stone—a chance to delve deep into the role of this material, which has always been both a structural and symbolic cornerstone of our civilization. This initiative is championed by Rete di Imprese PNA - Pietra Naturale Autentica (Authentic Natural Stone), a consortium of over forty companies. Since 2018, PNA has been dedicated to promoting natural stone, encouraging architects, designers, and professionals to rediscover its inherent qualities and value across architecture, art, design, and urban planning.

"Stone is…" promises to be a significant international event, backed by a robust structure and focused content. Thirteen leading speakers—including acclaimed architects, academics, industry professionals, and designers—will drive the conversation. The forum's six thematic sections will trace stone's journey from quarry to finished masterpiece, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The two-day series of meetings will take place at the IUAV headquarters, with a sharp focus on Authentic Natural Stone.

Admission to the Forum is free, marking an important commitment to accessibility and widespread participation. The event will be held in the Tolentini main hall of IUAV, conveniently located near the Architecture Biennale. Attendees will even receive a complimentary ticket to visit the Biennale, offering an added cultural bonus. The Forum is a collaborative effort with the Order of Architects of Venice for the granting of CFPs, under the patronage of InArch (National Institute of Architecture), and with Domus serving as media partner. Architects seeking professional development credits (CFP) can earn 8 CFP for June 12, 4 CFP for June 13, plus an additional 2 CFP for the Biennale visit (which can be requested independently).

At the heart of the Forum is its impressive lineup of speakers. Peter Eisenman will share insights into his City of Culture project in Santiago de Compostela, a testament to the expressive power of light quartzite. He will be joined by emerging talents like Najla El Zein, an artist and designer whose works are already featured in major collections and who Domus recently highlighted for her innovative approach. 

The discussions will also delve into technical and construction aspects: from the New York Institute of Technology, Maria Perbellini, Christian Pongratz, and Giovanni Santamaria will explore stone's influence in construction and urban development. The debate will be further enriched by industry experts such as Francesco Canali, Director of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano construction sites, and Peter Harrison, a London-based Stone Consultant.

Their real-world experiences will converge with the design philosophies of firms like Kengo Kuma and Associates and the legacy of the Angelo Mangiarotti Foundation. Contributions will also come from Angela Vettese, essayist and Director of the Visual Arts Course at IUAV, and Walter Mariotti, Editorial Director of Domus.

This exceptional gathering of expertise and perspectives, freely accessible via registration, is an unmissable opportunity for anyone who sees stone not merely as a material, but as a fundamental and strategic element of humanity, architecture, and art.