The architect Laura Andreini, founding member of Archea Associati, was asked to take part in the international jury for the Wienerberger Brick Award 2016 along with Johan Anrys (51N4E, Belgio), Matija Bevk (Bevk Perović arhitekti, Slovenia) and Alfred Munkenbeck (Munkenbeck + Partners, GB). This was the seventh edition of the biennial architecture award that is given to the most innovative brickwork project. The winner was selected out of over 600 projects presented by 55 different countries.
The invitation to take part in the jury shows the international recognition that Archea has achieved in its contemporary interpretation of this material. This is thanks to research that stems from the essential collaboration between skills in and knowledge of architecture and the industry. In the philosophy that distinguishes Archea, an ancient construction material like terracotta works well with those frequently used in contemporary architecture and with the history of the project site. It is a fundamental element in the design of important works such as the new Cantina Antinori or the International Grape Exhibition Garden in Yanqing near Beijing. Research is being made into terracotta and its versatility, leading it to be used in new, unprecedented ways. This can be seen in the façade of the Biblioteca di Nembro, or the Terreria library produced by Moroso.