ABOUT US
FRANCESCO GRUGNI
29 years, from Pavia, Italy. He is an architect and his main interest is the relationship between buildings, design, and digital technologies, with a special focus on Artificial Intelligence. He obtained a master's degree in Architecture from Tongji University of Shanghai, China, with a thesis entitled "Artificial Intelligence: Gan & A.I. Using Artificial Intelligence in Shanghai Urban Reuse", recently published. He is currently studying Building Engineering & Architecture at the University of Pavia, Italy. Since 2013, he has collaborated with various architectural and engineering firms around the world on sustainable projects, such as energy production plants, sustainable mobility, healthcare etc. He won several design competitions, two research internships, and participated to numerous roundtables and workshops, such as the Italian Pavilion EXPO 2010 Reuse workshop. He is active as SDG Positive Change Ambassador in various meetings and summits (ACW, COP26 Catalyst Action, YSDGS etc.), advocating for sustainable development and incentives for digitization. He has participated to the consultation group for COP26 Catalyst Action Recommendations on Transparency and Reporting for the "Data and Information management" section welcomes in the section "V. Finance, technology transfer and capacity-building for mitigation and adaptation" in point 58 of the Glasgow Climate Pact.
"My goal is to carry forward the philosophy of sustainability through digitalization. I believe that the use and accessibility of data is essential to solve the climate problem.”
MARCO VOLTOLINA
27 years, from Venice, Italy. He is an architect, urban designer and researcher. His main interests are the relationship between cities and Nature, the implementation of participatory design processes that enhance local cultures, and the role of digital technologies in contemporary architecture. He studied architecture and urban design and obtained a double master's degree at the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy, and Tongji University of Shanghai, China, with a thesis on Chinese classical gardens. He is currently based in Guangzhou, China, and works as a consultant for the Land, Housing and Shelter Section of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), supporting the implementation of the human right to adequate housing and the transition towards environmental and cultural sustainability in the building and construction sector. Previously, he collaborated with architecture and engineering offices in Italy and abroad, focusing on the issues of urban regeneration, environmental sustainability and social inclusion. Among others, he worked on the projects “Residenze Carlo Erba” by Peter Eisenman, “Ex Area Sandvik 204” by Giuseppe Tortato, and the proposal for a new sports complex for Vlorë, Albania, by Gjon Radovani. He firmly believes that architecture and urban design can change the world for better.