Maaterials: A New Magazine Exploring the Materials of the City

Maaterials is a new independent magazine founded by three urban planners—Agnese Amico (1993, Caltanissetta), Vanda Benolich (1988, Brescia), and Anna Dall'Oro (1989, Bergamo)—all graduates of IUAV University of Venice. The magazine investigates the materials that constitute urban and architectural spaces, aiming to make this knowledge accessible beyond specialist circles. Published in print with a limited edition of 100 copies per issue, Maaterials has released five monographic issues so far, covering asphalt, cast iron, copper, clay, and most recently, paper. Each issue combines technical explanations, architectural and urbanistic analysis, interviews with professionals, and artistic contributions through poetry, photography, comics, and sound. The founders cite influences from Colors (Kalman and Toscani), Internazionale, Abitare, Cartography, and Domus. Beyond the magazine, Maaterials is expanding into educational workshops in primary schools in Padua, starting this school year, and is exploring future formats such as a festival or urban installations. The project seeks to foster dialogue between different generations and stakeholders, addressing climate change and societal needs through collective reasoning.