Renzi consults Renzo Piano for post-earthquake reconstruction vision

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi personally visited architect and senator-for-life Renzo Piano at his Genoa studio to seek advice on reconstruction after the devastating earthquake in central Italy. Piano outlined a non-partisan, international vision for long-term rebuilding, emphasizing lightweight temporary structures over tent cities. He proposed a construction project spanning two generations with global contributions. Piano criticized the stereotype of Italy lacking resources, asserting that European Stability Pact flexibility allows for extraordinary measures in such disasters. He advocated for making anti-seismic building standards permanent law, comparing it to mandatory car brakes. Piano, who has built in seismic zones like California and Japan, also leads the G124 group of young researchers focused on urban peripheries, funded by his senator salary, which was featured at the Venice Architecture Biennale.