The director of the Design degree course comments on the holding of the international Master's degree on sustainable cities in the University spaces
“Having had the opportunity to discuss strategic issues and host a group of nine selected foreign scholars committed to reflecting on three realities such as San Marino, Athens and Bilbao, hypothesizing their development and future in the context of a curated international specialization program from one of the most prestigious global organizations in the sector, has enriched us and our students, filling us with stimuli and enthusiasm".
These are the words with which Riccardo Varini, director of the degree course in Design at the University of the Republic of San Marino, comments on the activities that took place from 26 May to 2 June in the university headquarters of the Ancient Monastery of Santa Chiara, in the historic center of Titano, where a mapping and discussion phase with local actors was held as part of the Master on Sustainable Cities of the Norman Foster Institute.
“The initiative – continues the academic – offered us a unique and close-up perspective on a high example of training aimed at a balanced and innovative vision of the sustainable futures of the places we live in”.
At the center of the Master, developed throughout 2024, are activities such as lessons, research, inspections and field experiences in which participants come into contact, among other things, with those involved in territorial planning in the various localities involved.
This with a transversal scope and in the name of multidisciplinarity: the program is in fact open to figures such as architects, economists, scientists, engineers, sociologists and anthropologists.
The skills transmitted involve research methods, economic models, fundraising, team management, decision making, marketing, data analysis and processing and more.
Among the projects created by the British architect, still active through the Foster + Partners studio, the Hearst Tower in New York, built in the United States metropolis with 80% recycled steel, the international airport of Beijing, in China, and the Millau Viaduct, France.
As part of the work, the participants also admired the structure which hosts the headquarters of the degree courses in Civil Engineering and Management Engineering of the University of San Marino, in Dogana in via Consiglio dei Senta 99. Completed in 2004 and spread over 47 thousand square metres, bears the signature of the Foster + Partners studio.