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The CNA/National Council of Architects, by request of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the "Italia in Giappone 2001" Foundation, with the indispensable collaboration of the Ministry for Cultural Treasures and Activities- D.A.R.C. Direction General for Architecture and Contemporary Art, has organised two interrelated events in the context of "Italia in Giappone 2001", as acknowledgement of the cultural and creative importance of Italian architecture and in order to enhance co-operation between Italy and Japan.

These will constitute the final act of a year that has been entirely dedicated to the well established bond of friendship between these two so distant, yet so similar, countries.

The two events will be consist of an exhibition on contemporary Italian architecture and a design competition for un urban piazza to be built in Kobe with Italian materials.

Design Competition: "Piazza Italia in Giappone 2001"

An on-line design competition, open to architects under 37 years old, for the design of a square in the city of Kobe.

The site, owned by the Municipality of Kobe, is located in a developing area south of the Rokkomichi Railway Station.

It is part of a large redevelopment program, in the south-west section of the city, one of those most heavily damaged in the 1995 earthquake.

The City of Kobe will eventually realize the piazza following the winning design, also using tipically Italian finishing materials (stone, marble, bricks etc)., if requested by the project: a gift from the Italian government and its sponsors, and a tangible memory of the year 2001, which has been so rich in Italian cultural events.

The square will be entitled "Piazza Italia in Giappone 2001".

the promoters >