Now that my course of study has finished, when I look back, I realize that the biggest present I received from my University and Venice was the opportunity to compare myself to a lot of boys and girls sharing my passion for architecture and become aware of their dreams and ambitions for the future. The same happened to Marco and Gloria, whose story will never disappear from the memory of those who were the audience to their tragedy seven years ago, whereas it is and will always be an example of great fortitude and a source of inspiration for all students and newly graduated people strongly desiring to know the world though being afraid of having too huge dreams. 

Architects’ work implies a steady search for solutions aimed at improving the spaces we live in. The idea distinguishing the thesis I developed jointly with my fellows Alice and Asia is generated by the will to find solutions to a problem affecting our country’s entire territory, i.e. the presence of unfinished buildings, which have been deserted for years and are a risk for towns both from the environmental and safety standpoint. This fostered a reflection on the necessity of avoiding the exploitation of material resources in buildings and enhance the re-use of the pre-existing ones. Consequently, the research has focused on the study of an architectural system combining two materials: recycled aggregate concrete and wood as a renewable material, thus improving the performance of new buildings both from the structural and fire resistance point of view.  

I graduated on the 18th of March and, just a few weeks later, I applied for this scholarship, being in possession of related requirements. This meant looking ahead, beyond the study, and was intended to be, at the same time, a new check of my skills. That happened: one more confirmation, both unexpected and now crucial for my life, arrived. The thesis I had devoted myself to very passionately together with my fellows was shortlisted; the biggest happiness ever was given us; we succeeded. This is life: an unexpected surprise to promptly catch where the two guys had left it. Dear Marco and Gloria, I want to believe that what associates us today is, more than the same course of study and places, the fact that your parents, when shaking my hand, could find in me the same passion and dreams as yours. I wish to heartily thank once again the Grenfellove foundation – with particular reference to Giannino and Daniela – for providing young people like us with these wonderful opportunities and for trusting our project. This is and will always be for me a reason for great pride and emotion.