UNICAM università degli Studi di Camerino
Comune di Camerino
Ordine degli Architetti Pianificatori Paesaggisti e Conservatori della Provincia di Macerata
Archeoclub d’Italia
XXXV International Seminar and Award of Architecture and Urban Culture - Camerino 2025
ARCHITECTURE AND PLACES
CAMERINO, University Auditorium, 28-30 July 2025
In recent decades, globalized architecture has produced works of great interest but also structures that feel out of place: glass towers in deserts, buildings designed more for trees than people, and a great deal of oversized constructions that seem driven by egocentric exaltation or mere imitation.
These trends have gradually erased the unique character of places, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas, where change occurs more slowly.
This does not mean we must renounce architecture. On the contrary, the dialogue between old and new enhances the expressive qualities of each. The balanced relationship between new and old forms, materials, and contemporary technologies can foster a renewed sense of urbanity-honest and unpretentious.
Architecture then is about PLACES rather than about abstract concepts like ENVIRONMENT, or LANDSCAPE. Places are living spaces shaped and transformed by human presence, both individually and collectively. Paying attention to the character of places means to care for them.
Character is the enduring essence of a place: it is rooted in its geography and historical memory and marks it uniquely. This is an instrumental premise to all good architectural design.
Simultaneously, changing social dynamics, climate shifts, and the great expansion of computerized technologies demand renewed awareness in design-to cope with the complexity of events, to avoid excessive technical formalism, and so as to not revert to outdated settlement patterns that are no longer suited to contemporary society.
Program
The XXXV Architecture and Urban Culture Seminar offers a three-day meeting in which architects are called to present their projects concerning the relationship between architecture and place.
There are two sections: completed works and projects. Students can also participate in this second section, in the spirit that has always characterized the Camerino event to introduce young graduates to the profession.
The presentations will alternate with scheduled conversations on these themes: Rebuilding places; Seaside places. Cities and coastal areas; Small towns, rural and mountain areas; Architecture and trees; Transitions. Cities and architecture in transformation.
On the final day, certificates of participation will be awarded and the prizes SACU - CAMERINO 2025.
A monograph of the workshop will be published on Architettura e Città, Di Baio Editore.
How to attend the seminar
Students, researchers, teachers, professionals and practitioners interested in the topic can participate in the seminar. Participants will stay at university colleges at agreed costs.
The registration fee is 80€, (40€ for students).
Application must be received by July 25, 2025.
How to enter the competition
Participation in the award is optional and is reserved for those enrolled in the Architecture and Urban Culture Seminar - Camerino 2025. Professionals, graduates and students of Italian and international Schools of Architecture and Engineering can participate. Participation can take place both individually and in groups. In the case of group participation, it will be sufficient for at least one member of the group to register and participate in the seminar. Each participant, single or group, may present only one work.
Unpublished works (projects, research, completed works) completed from 2020 onwards are admitted. The same must be relevant to the design themes proposed by the seminar and contain the inspiring principles highlighted in the introduction; in particular they must contain innovative elements of ideas, technologies, programs for an ecological and quality Architecture.
Required documents
The submission of entries involves two distinct phases:
First phase: the application form and two files with the most relevant information on work/project must be submitted by July 12, 2025. The summary should consist of some illustrations and a short text (font Arial, body not less than 9) all clearly readable and reproducible typographically. This documentation should be contained in two files in JPG or PDF format, 300 DPI, each of size 18 x 26.7 cm h. In the header of the first folder the author/s and title of the work should be highlighted. Participants should also highlight the context in which the project experience was carried out (Institution or University, Year, Course, Thesis, Supervisor, …).
All the material will be collected and published in the catalogue.
Second phase: from Sunday July 27, each participant will have an exhibition area of about cm 80x180h, where designs, tables, photographs and other material can be exhibit. Please note that only adhesive tape (removable) or hangers on rigid support are permitted. Over the course of the days, participants will be able to present their work with a video and a communication for a total time of 8 minutes.
Clarification requests can be sent by e-mail to sacu.camerino@unicam.it
Answers will be published on the FAQ page.
Award - Jury
The SACU 2025 Architecture Prize consists of a total of € 3,000 broken down as follows:
€1,000 to the 1st place in the completed works session
€1,000 to the 1st place in the projects and research session
€1,000 Critics Award
n. 2 reported works
It is possible to award ex-aequo prizes. All the works awarded and reported will be published in the issue 21 of the ARCHITECTURE and CITY series.
The award ceremony will take place at the end of the seminar. The works will be selected with a vote expressed by the participants enrolled in the seminar. Finally, a Commission composed of professionals and professors invited to the seminar, will assign, at its final discretion, the prizes and awards provided. The same Commission reserves the right to assign the Critics’ Award among all the works presented.
Secretariat - Information
Eleonora Branchesi, tel. + 39 3396506447
e-mail: sacu.camerino@unicam.it
Director: Giovanni Marucci
e-mail: giovanni.marucci@unicam.it
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