Among all materials, it is one of the most iconic and valued in Italian architecture and art. Carrara marble, known for its technical and aesthetic qualities, has long been used in monumental projects and remains today a strategic resource for contemporary design and architecture. Its workability, combined with a strong territorial identity, makes it a key reference material on the international stage.

On June 4 and 5, 2025, a two-day training program was held in Carrara at the FUM headquarters, organized in collaboration with YACademy as part of the Master in Spiritual Architecture. Sixteen young architects from various countries took part in the experience, which combined theoretical insight with direct exposure to Carrara marble — long regarded as a material of excellence in the global architectural landscape.

The visit marked the official start of the master's design workshop, further strengthening the collaboration between FUM and YACademy, active since 2023. Following the opening remarks by Bernarda Franchi and a presentation of the training program, Mahmoud Idriss introduced the students to the FUMFORARCHITECTS digital platform. The morning continued with a factory tour led by architect Davide Biselli, including visits to the showrooms, the Big One, the Kengo Kuma installation, and the slab polishing area.

In the afternoon, the students visited the Bettogli quarry, accompanied by Davide Giovanetti and Michel Pianini, gaining direct insight into the extraction environment and the very sites where the marble — central to their upcoming projects — originates. The day concluded with a visit to the location that will serve as the focus of their final master’s project.

The following day officially launched the design workshop focused on the theme “Product Design – Sacred Objects,” led by architect Nicholas Bewick, Art Director of AMDL Circle. With extensive experience in both design and education, Bewick guided the participants through a process of reflection and development centered on the symbolic and architectural use of marble, fostering a deep dialogue between spiritual research and design practice.

The satisfaction of students, organizers, and instructors was evident: the sharing of visions, experiences, and expertise created a highly valuable learning moment. As Bernarda Franchi emphasized, the Academy today stands as a cultural stronghold for Carrara marble on a global scale, offering young professionals the opportunity to deeply understand the material and engage with its design potential through concrete and international experiences.