The Legendary Highway 14 Tower Sustainability Award winners - Nicolas Piazza and Nicola Romagnoli

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Sustainability Award winners of our The Legendary Highway 14 Tower competition – Nicolas Piazza and Nicola Romagnoli from Italy!

Nicolas Piazza and Nicola Romagnoli

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Rabdomante, founded by Nicola Romagnoli and Nicolas Piazza in 2023, is a multidisciplinary project that navigates through the worlds of Architecture, Photography, and Design. Rooted in their education at the School of Engineering and Architecture in Bologna and through various collaborations across Romagna, Milan, and Madrid, Rabdomante is now focused on researching the interaction of architecture with other disciplines, the history of places, and their future.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

We engage in projects ranging from furniture design to masterplan scale, with particular attention to the impact architecture can have on society, the environment, and time. For example, we've worked on projects such as the Archaeological Park of the city of Galeata (FC), the expansion of the Galli Theater in Rimini, and participated in the "Peace Pavilion" competition organized by Kaira Looro, for which we received an honorable mention.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture is no longer just a means to express one's worldview but rather a field in transformation where many paths and experiences converge. It's no longer solely an individual profession but a collective endeavor designed for the community. We believe it is crucial to return attention to the context, which is not only urban but a broader concept involving not only our lives but those of all living and non-living beings and the processes that connect us.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions are a fundamental tool for experimenting, exploring concepts, and exploring possibilities that allow us to discover new worldviews. They are a true playground where it's possible to build step by step one's identity as an architect and develop a personal design approach.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

The advice is to dive into this amazing world with enthusiasm and openness, with the awareness that even from mistakes and disappointments we can grow, learn and improve.