Buzzi Unicem's ArenA Project Merges Art, Architecture, and Industry in Guidonia

Buzzi Unicem, an Italian cement manufacturer with operations in 14 nations and a 328,000 sqm facility in Guidonia near Rome, has initiated the ArenA project. COO Antonio Buzzi has tasked artist Alfredo Pirri with creating a multidisciplinary area on the factory premises for local residents, the public of Rome, and employees. A preliminary feasibility study is expected to be finalized within 18 months, featuring a permanent display of Pirri's preparatory watercolors. Architect Paolo Desideri from Roma Tre University engaged his students in an architecture charrette—a week-long workshop with international participants—to propose designs for the 1,200 sqm area. Presentations were made to a jury that included Francesco Cellini, Joao Nunes, Fernando Moral-Andrés, Maria Vittoria Marini Clarelli, Alessandro Gabbianelli, and Anna Laura Palazzo. The students' designs were inspired by Pirri's watercolors and a site visit. Pirri referred to his watercolors as non-representational tools that suggest spatial and chromatic solutions. Rector Luca Pietromarchi emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities and industries through art.