The American University in Dubai (AUD) welcomed students, faculty, and distinguished guests to SustainabITALY, an event dedicated to showcasing Italy’s innovations in sustainable architecture. As part of the university’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the event highlighted the role of architecture in creating environmentally conscious cultural spaces.

Dr. Long, President of AUD, gave the opening remarks, followed by His Excellency Edoardo Napoli, the Italian Consul General in Dubai, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between Italy and the UAE in pursuing sustainable development. Chair of AUD’s Department of Architecture, Dr. Anna Cornaro, introduced the SustainabITALY Initiative, which is supported by Sustainable Architecture for Place of Culture and promoted by the Doctorate General for Contemporary Creativity of the Italian Ministry of Culture and includes contributions from international academic institutions like the University of Arkansas Rome Center and AUD’s own Department of Architecture. The event included two guest lectures by Francesco Bedeschi, Director of Arkansas University Rome Center, steering committee member of Green Building Council Italia and Kdija Kuki Amri architect, supervisor of the exhibition design.

SustainabITALY began its journey in Rome, inaugurating a unique exhibition developed by students from the University of Arkansas. The exhibition has since traveled to institutions across the United States and is now proudly hosted at AUD, marking its final destination. This traveling showcase has offered insights into Italy’s best practices in sustainable architecture, featuring prominent architects and leaders in green building, such as Cino Zucchi, Mario Cucinella, and Alvisi Kirimoto.

Through SustainabITALY, AUD reinforces its dedication to sustainable development, inspiring students and the broader community to engage in sustainable architectural practices. The university invited students and AIAS members to participate in setting up the exhibition and urges all attendees to explore these groundbreaking designs, which underline architecture’s power to shape a sustainable future.

For more information on SustainabITALY, please visit www.sustainabitaly.net