Publications
Nexus 2025. Relations Between Architecture and Mathematics
Nexus 2025: Relationships Between Architecture and Mathematics, held in Vicenza, Italy (June 3–6, 2025), explored the profound interplay between architectural design and mathematical principles, particularly through the lens of Andrea Palladio’s work. The conference highlighted how mathematical concepts—such as symmetry, proportion, and geometric patterns—underpin the aesthetic and structural integrity of Palladian architecture. By analyzing historical villas in the Veneto region, researchers demonstrated that Palladio’s designs were not merely artistic but rooted in rigorous mathematical reasoning, influencing both form and function. This interdisciplinary approach offers new insights into the fusion of art and science in UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
2010 Stolpersteine: Hamburg and Other European Cities
A notable discovery from the City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto involves the presence of 'Stolpersteine'—small brass plaques embedded in pavements across Europe, commemorating victims of the Holocaust. These 10 cm × 10 cm stones, initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig, serve as a permanent and individual memorial for those arrested or deported during World War II, often with unknown fates. In Vicenza, these plaques detail the lives, arrests, deportations, and deaths of local individuals, such as Angela Caivano Orvieto and Torquato Fraccon, who were deported to Auschwitz and Mauthausen respectively. The study highlights the Stolpersteine's role in preserving historical memory through an accessible, tactile medium, contrasting with traditional monuments. This approach ensures that the stories of victims are directly linked to their former homes, fostering a profound and personal connection for passersby.
Grain merchants and famines in late Renaissance
A study of grain trade and victualling systems in late Renaissance Veneto reveals that while cities and merchants relied on established procedures during food shortages, population growth and market closures necessitated adaptations. Using public records like council rolls and municipal accounts, alongside private notarial documents, researchers analyzed the careers of two key merchants—Giovanni Maria Mersi from Padua and Simone Barana—to illustrate how selective application of regulations shaped grain supply strategies. Barana's probate inventory provides rare insight into a merchant's operations during this period. The research challenges a one-dimensional view of grain trade, highlighting its complexity and the dynamic interplay between policy and practice.
The estimi of the Republic of Venice as a resource for studying social mobility in rural areas during the pre-industrial era
Rural communities in the Republic of Venice, particularly those in Vicenza, offer unprecedented insights into social mobility during the pre-industrial era. Tax registers, known as 'estimi,' reveal detailed and precise data on social changes due to their annual revisions. These records, managed with significant local autonomy after Venice's control over the Mainland in the 15th century, provide a unique lens for analyzing social dynamics. The study leverages methodologies developed within the SMITE project to reconstruct mobility patterns, offering valuable evidence for understanding societal evolution in rural areas during this period.
An utopia made true
A groundbreaking study challenges the traditional notion of architectural patronage, revealing that the creation of two pioneering parish communities in Vicenza and Arzignano during the 1950s-60s was a collaborative effort involving clergy, architects, and faithful. The research demonstrates that these projects, rooted in biblical and liturgical traditions, transcended conventional church design to redefine communal worship experiences. By analyzing documentary sources, architectural plans, and testimonies, the study highlights the inadequacy of attributing sole authorship to architects, instead advocating for concepts like nascent state and charisma from social sciences and psychology to better understand these innovative ecclesiastical spaces.
Report on UNESCO's awareness raising and capacity building actions in the SmartCulTour Living Labs
UNESCO's capacity-building initiatives within the SmartCulTour Living Labs, spanning six regions including Vicenza (Italy), demonstrated that participatory and context-specific approaches can effectively integrate culture and tourism into sustainable local development. The report highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement in tailoring training programs to address knowledge gaps and foster dialogue among diverse actors, such as destination management organizations (DMOs) and cultural heritage practitioners. Preliminary findings suggest that while immediate impacts are limited, these initiatives lay a foundation for long-term, scalable improvements in cultural tourism performance. The study underscores the potential of soft capacity-building methods—focusing on networking and exchange—to drive sustainable growth at regional levels.
Tra spezie e spie: Filippo Pigafetta nel Mediterraneo del Cinquecento
Filippo Pigafetta, a Vicentine scholar and soldier of the 16th century, played a significant role in trans-Mediterranean networks as an 'explorer, informer, and spy,' contributing to military knowledge during a period marked by conflict with the Ottoman Empire. His career, peaking between 1576 and 1587, involved extensive travel across key Mediterranean cities, including Suez, London, Madrid, Lisbon, Rome, Jerusalem, and Venice, where he engaged with exiled scholars and religious figures like Giovanni Battista Castagna (later Pope Urban VII). Pigafetta's work as a translator and author of military treatises reflected his deep interest in warfare, while his connections to Vicenza's intellectual circles—such as the Accademia Olimpica and Accademia dei Costanti—highlighted his broader engagement with Renaissance scholarly networks. This study sheds light on the informal diplomacy and transnational exchanges that characterized early modern Europe.
Features of the Evolution of the Architecture of Theater Buildings
Theater buildings, integral to urban landscapes and cultural spaces, exhibit distinct architectural evolution marked by innovation and continuity. This study identifies key milestones in theatrical architecture from antiquity to the 21st century, highlighting iconic structures such as the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza (Palladian Renaissance), the Sydney Opera House (modernist 20th century), and contemporary designs like the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The research emphasizes how architects leverage expressive means to shape external appearances, creating symbolic landmarks that redefine cultural space perception. By analyzing historical examples—including ancient Greek amphitheaters and 19th-century opera houses—the study underscores the enduring role of theater buildings in urban planning and artistic expression.
Recession rate of carbonate rocks used in cultural heritage: Textural control assessed by accelerated ageing tests
A key finding from this study is that the recession rate of carbonate stones, which are prevalent in northeastern Italy's cultural heritage, varies significantly based on their textural features and mineralogical composition. Researchers subjected eleven types of carbonate stones to accelerated ageing tests simulating rainfall with different pH levels (pH ∼ 7 for Bologna and pH ∼ 6 for Stresa). Using confocal microscopy, they observed that differential recession is closely tied to calcite grain size, allowing them to define correction coefficients for more precise recession rate calculations. This method offers a rapid way to estimate future stone deterioration under specific environmental conditions, aiding in the evaluation of risk-based protection measures for historical structures.
Surveillance as a culture of vigilance: the case of Napoleonic Italy
In Napoleonic Italy, surveillance was not solely state-driven but also involved local communities through the 'capi contrada,' individuals who became primary sources of information for urban law enforcement. This collaboration, while tied to self-interest, revealed a culture of vigilance that coexisted alongside traditional surveillance paradigms. The study, based on the case of Vicenza and other cities in the Kingdom of Italy, challenges the notion that state-driven surveillance was the sole method, demonstrating its inter-hierarchical nature and broader societal implications.
Decision support system for flood risk reduction policies: The case of a flood protection measure in the area of Vicenza
A novel decision support system for flood risk reduction policies, tested in Vicenza, Italy, demonstrates how structured data-driven approaches can guide policy makers through a five-phase process—inform, advise, monitor, evaluate, and revise—to create evidence-based strategies. Unlike traditional methods relying on intuition, this multifaceted platform integrates environmental, social, and economic data to assess flood protection measures effectively. The study highlights the system's potential benefits while also identifying challenges for public administrations in implementing such tools, offering a practical framework for addressing climate change impacts through informed decision-making.
Le lettere di Tomasz Kajetan Węgierski scritte durante il viaggio del 1779 attraverso il Veneto
A rare and vivid account of the Veneto region emerges from the preserved letters of Polish poet Tomasz Kajetan Węgierski, written during his 1779 journey. These letters, addressed to a friend in Paris, offer detailed observations on the history, culture, and daily life of Verona, Vicenza, Padua, and Venice, alongside witty anecdotes and social commentary. Though incomplete—comprising seven full letters and fragments—the collection provides unique insights into Węgierski's perceptions of the region, which served as a significant yet transient stop on his route to Rome. The analysis reveals his fascination with Venetian customs, architecture, and the symbolic 'wedding ceremony' between the republic and the sea, contrasting with earlier travel narratives while reflecting the literary trends of the 18th century.
Paleo-Seismicity in the Euganean Hills Province (Northeast Italy): Constraints From Geomechanical and Geophysical Tests in the Schio-Vicenza Fault Area
Researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that the Schio-Vicenza Fault, which borders the Euganean Hills in northeast Italy, experienced more intense seismic activity in the past than previously thought. This conclusion stems from the discovery of gouges and cataclasites within exhumed fault zones, which are indicative of significant paleo-seismic events. Micropaleontological analyses confirmed that these gouges originated from the fragmentation of adjacent limestone rocks, while geomechanical tests revealed that substantial strain energy was required to pulverize these rocks. Current deformation rates in the region, measured through global navigation satellite system observations, are insufficient to generate such features, implying that the fault's past activity may have been more pronounced or that the area was affected by remote seismic events. These findings challenge the current understanding of the region's seismicity and have significant implications for seismic risk assessment in nearby urban areas, including Padova and Vicenza.
Environmental Microclimate Management and Risk in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Villa Barbaro Maser (Italy)
A novel index, the Heritage Indoor Microclimate Risk (HMR), has been developed to assess and quantify the risk of damage to both historic buildings and their interiors based on indoor microclimatic factors. This approach goes beyond traditional artifact-focused evaluations by considering the entire environment. Applied to Villa Barbaro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Andrea Palladio in 1554–1560, the study combines on-site monitoring of parameters like temperature and humidity with virtual building modeling to validate scenarios for conservation and occupant comfort. The methodology leverages simulated data to determine the degree of microclimatic aggression through a single risk index, offering a holistic framework for managing heritage sites.
From Mythos to Logos
Research reveals that Freemasonry's influence on architecture and art, particularly in 16th-century Vicenza, Italy, was more profound and earlier than previously understood. The study demonstrates that Freemason precepts—promoting peace, freedom, and kindness—were encoded through myth and philosophy in buildings, frescoes, and texts by Andrea Palladio, starting as early as 1546. This decoding of symbolic architecture suggests a deliberate dissemination of universal values, rooted in an inclusive understanding of the divine, challenging conventional narratives about the period's cultural and intellectual movements.
Monuments to Rome
The Sack of Rome in 1527, driven by the mutinous army of Emperor Charles V and exacerbated by Protestant mercenaries, triggered a significant migration of artists and architects northward, including to Vicenza. This event reshaped Vicenza's architectural landscape, as wealthy scholar Gian Giorgio Trissino sought to model his hometown on classical Rome. In a pivotal moment, Trissino encountered Andrea Palladio, a Paduan stonemason, and nurtured his talent through humanist education at the Accademia Trissiniana in Cricoli. This serendipitous collaboration laid the foundation for Palladio's influential architectural style, blending Roman classical elements with Renaissance innovation.
Disused Areas and Urban Regeneration. the Historic Centre of Vicenza, Italy
A degraded area between Vicenza’s historic center and the Bacchiglione river, long neglected as a parking lot or warehouse, presents a unique opportunity for urban regeneration. This study proposes leveraging its strategic location to restore social and cultural connections with the city’s river, addressing historical disassociations. The research outlines potential interventions developed during an architectural course at the University of Padua, aiming to transform the area into a space for qualitative restoration and community enrichment. By integrating rituals and past linkages, the project seeks to repair the water-city relationship while revitalizing Vicenza’s urban fabric.
(Urban) sustainability in practice: Insights from the Veneto region
The Veneto region, long recognized as Italy's economic powerhouse, faces significant sustainability challenges due to rapid transformations driven by globalization, environmental pressures, and shifting social dynamics. A study of Vicenza, a medium-sized city in the region, reveals that while sustainability is increasingly emphasized in regional planning and local discourse, its implementation remains complex and multifaceted. The research adopts a pragmatic approach, analyzing urban transformation through a multi-scalar lens, examining decision-making processes related to environmental issues—particularly land consumption—and the role of mega-projects in shaping the city's future. This work highlights the tension between traditional governance structures and emerging configurations, offering insights into how sustainability can be practically integrated into urban planning amid evolving regional dynamics.
Stanza Rossa
A theoretical and practical exploration of Marco Frascari's architectural vision for nurturing happiness through bathroom design, exemplified by the Stanza Rossa in Vicenza, Italy. The study reveals a unique integration of memory, imagination, and disciplinary knowledge to propose buildings with therapeutic functions, fostering meaningful human-architectural relationships. Unlike traditional apocalyptic or high-tech utopian futures, Frascari's designs envision spaces that prioritize corporeality and well-being, with bathrooms and kitchens playing central roles in his Dream Tower concept.
Una lettura delle Lettere storiche di Alvise Da Porto
Alvise da Porto emerges as a complex figure in the 'Lettere storiche,' revealing a paradoxical stance on warfare. While he condemns military interventions and their destructive impact on cities, art, and farmland, he also admires swordsmanship and knightly honor, contrasting his pacifist leanings with an appreciation for martial prowess. His precise descriptions of sieges, particularly those targeting Vicenza during the League of Cambrai's campaigns, highlight his keen political and military acumen. This analysis relies solely on his historical letters, offering a nuanced portrayal of da Porto's intellectual and moral character.
Ospedali e politiche assistenziali a Vicenza nel Quattrocento
The fifteenth century marked significant advancements in hospital reforms across Italy, with Vicenza leading the way through strategic restructuring of its care network. This transformation was driven by the urban patriciate, who introduced managerial criteria to address social and health emergencies, blending Christian pietas, civic religiosity, and status quo protection. The study reveals a nuanced approach to charity, balancing ancient traditions with innovative practices to serve the common good (bonum commune). By analyzing historical records and urban governance dynamics, the research highlights how Vicenza's hospital policies reflected broader European trends while maintaining local distinctiveness.
Fish and Crustaceans from a Roman Amphora in Northern Italy
A Roman amphora from Vicenza, northern Italy, revealed the presence of small fish and crustacean fragments, suggesting these species originated from the northern Adriatic shore. The findings indicate a mix of freshwater and marine species, hinting at the region's diverse aquatic ecosystems during the Roman Empire. Microscopic analysis was necessary due to the poor preservation state of the remains, which were part of a roadway foundation likely used for rainwater drainage. This discovery sheds light on ancient trade routes and the ecological landscape of the Adriatic coast.
No Dal Molin: The Antibase Movement in Vicenza
A significant democratic mobilization emerged in Vicenza, Italy, following the secret negotiations for a new military base on a critical undeveloped area and aquifer. The 'No Dal Molin' movement, sparked by local residents in 2006, rapidly grew into mass demonstrations and direct actions against the proposed installation within months. This case study highlights an unprecedented experiment in civic engagement, illustrating how grassroots opposition can mobilize large-scale political participation effectively. The research examines the movement's origins, development, and impact on local governance, providing insights into democratic resistance strategies.
The Limits of Public Policy Intervention in Urban Logistics: Lessons from Vicenza (Italy)
Public policy regulations restricting vehicle access to promote urban consolidation centers (UCCs) may face significant legal and practical challenges, as demonstrated by the case of Vicenza, Italy. The study analyzed municipal regulations and court rulings from 2006 to 2009, following a lawsuit by freight transport carriers against restrictive measures. While Vicenza's approach aimed to reduce urban traffic, it encountered legal resistance, highlighting the complexities of implementing such policies. The research identifies key lessons for other European cities, emphasizing the need for balanced regulations that consider both economic and technical feasibility, as well as legal implications.
Andrea Palladio's influence on Venetian church design, 1581-1751
A significant influence of Andrea Palladio's architectural designs on Venetian church construction was identified between 1581 and 1751. Of the 62 churches built during this period, 35 (56%) demonstrated varying degrees of Palladian design elements in their plans, elevations, and spatial relationships. This study, analyzing 35 churches chronologically, revealed a coherent tradition of Venetian church design that integrated Palladian prototypes, marking a pivotal development in ecclesiastical architecture. The research contextualized Palladio's prominence within the Renaissance period in Venice and traced the evolution of his influence through subsequent architectural works.
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