The Italian Design Day is an international event promoted by the Italian diplomatic and consular network to highlight Italian design around the world, ant its refined and harmonious relationship with history, culture, art, and high-level craftsmanship.
Now in its 9th edition, the 2025 initiative is dedicated to the theme “Inequalities: Design for a Better Life,” with the aim of emphasizing the role of quality design in reducing the social and economic inequalities that divide humanity, addressing their impact on daily life, cities, and the world.
The event is promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, the Association for Industrial Design, the Compasso d’Oro Foundation, the ICE Agency, the Salone del Mobile, the Triennale di Milano, FederlegnoArredo, the Altagamma Foundation, and Confindustria Italia.
To celebrate Italian Design Day, the Embassy of Italy in Wellington is proud to present a calendar rich of events:
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In collaboration with Belfiore Bologna – Architect (VEN Registered) – NZ LBP-D2 – Honorary Consul of Italy in Christchurch:
- Christchurch, March 17, 17.30 – Tautoru/TSB Space – Hapori Community, Level 1 – Christchurch Central Library – Tūranga, Cathedral Square
The event, in collaboration with Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) and ADNZ Architectural Designers New Zealand will address the topic of inequalities from the prospective of speakers’ experience, spanning from previous to current practice, followed by a conversation with the attending public. The space has been kindly made available by Smart Christchurch.
Speakers:
Grace de Leon – City Initiatives Lead, Smart Christchurch | Christchurch City Council.
Grace is a Smart Cities Practitioner and Innovation Leader; she dwells within the realm of Digital Transformation as a vehicle to transform the dynamics between the built environments in urban areas and all the activities that these generate; a Digital Equity Advocate that connects the human interaction with digital innovation for the betterment of city life. A dynamic and visionary professional with a passion for leveraging technology to enhance communities and drive positive change. She stands at the forefront of innovation, making her mark as a key influencer in the field. Grace thrives on pushing boundaries and transforming ideas into impactful initiatives that benefit the community and the organisation at large. Her track record boasts pioneering initiatives that have significantly improved community welfare while enhancing organizational value.
Belfiore Bologna – Architect (VEN Registered) – NZ LBP-D2 – NZIA Acad. – ADNZ Prof. – NZIOB m. – AIA Intl. Assoc. Hong Kong local chapter. Owner & Director at Design Factum Limited – Honorary Consul of Italy in Christchurch.
Following his Architectural Degree at the Central University of Venezuela – Belfiore obtained a Specialization in Architecture and City Technology or Urban Areas in Developing Countries at the Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy, and has worked in both the practice of architecture for projects of different scales and uses as well as within the tertiary education sector. From 1997 to present date, he has worked internationally in Italy, Venezuela, China, and New Zealand where he resides since 2008. His work focuses in approaching architectural design by properly understanding construction processes and technologies in relationship with the relevant economies in which these are best applied, ensuring that the final product truly enhances both the owner’s portfolio as well as the users’ environment. This includes an important focus on social growth and economic development in the wider community.
In collaboration with Cav. Carolina Izzo (Studio Izzo) and Professor Paola Boarin (University of Auckland):
- Auckland, March 19, 18:30 – University of Auckland, Conference Centre, 23 Symonds Street;
- Wellington, March 21, 17:30 – Futuna Chapel, 67 Futuna Close, Karori; Presentation and panel discussions at the Futuna Chapel will be also live-streamed on https://www.youtube.com/live/rTpo3bx-cAU
Both events will feature ĀKAU Studio and First Light Studio, with a presentation on the theme “Inequalities: How to Mend the Fractures of Humanity.” A discussion will follow, exploring the role of design in addressing inequalities and social fractures, identifying innovative and sustainable solutions.
Speakers:
Ana Heremaia and Jo Walsh, ĀKAU(Kaikohe)
ĀKAU are committed to collaboration and community engagement from their Te Tai Tokerau, Kaikohe office. Their work seeks to transform the lives of tamariki and whānau through a workshop process which connects people with their tūpuna stories and provides hands on learning through architecture and design. Across 10 years the company has moved from furniture design to contributing toward the new sports hub Papa Hawaiki and new ongoing library project for Kaikohe.
Nick Officer and Ben Jagersma, First Light Studio(Wellington).
The studio will present two projects aimed at addressing community needs at various scales and stages of development: the seismic strengthening of a church in Wellington, which was used as an opportunity to redefine its role and significance, and public housing solutions for Te Āhuru Mōwai, the largest Māori organization dedicated to community residential housing in New Zealand.
The Auckland event will be part of the Fast Forward series, an annual lecture series by the Te Pare School of Architecture and Planning, sponsored by GIB® and in collaboration with Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.
