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Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Sailing Into Culture: Casa Sanlorenzo Anchors In Venice
Casa Sanlorenzo Saloon Sanlorenzo Arts–a creative hub dedicated to the artistic and cultural initiatives of luxury yacht pioneers Sanlorenzo–has been unveiled in Venice during the inaugural Venice Climate Week (3-8 June, 2025), as the lagoon city presents la Biennale di Architettura. Venice Climate Week is a new Italian event celebrating World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, conceived and directed by Riccardo Luna in collaboration with the Future Food Institute as a week dedicated to climate change, sustainability, and restarting dialogue and exchange among institutions, citizens, businesses, activists, scientists, and artists. In the heart of Venice—where whispers of history echo along watery corridors, and the light dances off facades steeped in time—a new addition to the city's cultural tapestry has arrived: Casa Sanlorenzo–a new cultural cub conceived by acclaimed Italian yachting company Sanlorenzo–has opened its doors with a subtle launch that respects the city's legacy while gesturing boldly towards a more philanthropic and sustainable future. Casa Sanlorenzo Exterior Unveiled during the inaugural Venice Climate Week, with the Biennale di Architettura as its backdrop, Casa Sanlorenzo is not simply a building—it is a philosophy sculpted in stone, glass, and vision. It rises across from the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, as if in quiet dialogue with the Baroque architectural masterpiece, promising not to compete but to converse. Sanlorenzo, long revered for crafting luxury yachts that glide elegantly across the water, now extends its creative ambitions onto land. With the opening of the new Casa Sanlorenzo cultural centre, Sanlorenzo pivots from producing exquisite vessels to becoming a vessel itself, one that carries culture, ideas, and transformation. At the Casa's inauguration, Massimo Perotti, Sanlorenzo's Executive Chairman, gave a welcome speech to guests beneath a pale Venetian sky. Above, a curious duel unfolded: a seagull clashing mid-air with a hovering drone. The spectacle, unintended yet symbolic, brought a moment of reflection—a metaphor for the uneasy embrace between nature and technology. In a city wrestling with the weight of cruise ships and rising tides, one must ask: can innovation coexist with fragility? And yet, it is precisely this tension that Casa Sanlorenzo seeks to explore, through a Salon-style space where thought, design and art intersect. Casa Sanlorenzo is designed as a visionary arts center and is an extension of the Sanlorenzo Arts project–a creative incubator where nautical production is juxtaposed with art, design and culture in a sustainable framework. Casa Sanlorenzo Exteriors Housed within a restored 1940s villa, reimagined by visionary architect Piero Lissoni, Casa Sanlorenzo is both contemporary and eternal. Lissoni–with his studio Lissoni & Partners–updated the space that spans almost 11,000 square feet with a generously sized garden, as well as a private apartment. The garden and gallery space will host exhibitions, shows and talks throughout the year to coincide with major cultural events in Venice such as the art and architecture Biennales. The Casa is designed to create a living dialogue between eras, aesthetics, and ideas. Here, white walls serve as breath between thoughts, showcasing Sanlorenzo's contemporary art collection, which bridges the radical transformations of post-1965 to the daring expressions of today. Casa Sanlorenzo Exteriors Lissoni has not erased the building's soul but coaxed it gently into the present. Brick facades glow with renewed dignity and modernity takes shape in glass staircases and concrete expanses, paired with Portoro marble and Palladian stone. In this fusion, past and future clasp hands. Outside the Casa Sanlorenzo, a contemplative Venetian Garden offers space for contemplation. Extending from the Casa like a whisper across the lagoon, is an architecturally daring new bridge designed by Piero Lissoni in a contemporary style yet with respect for Venetian heritage. A rarity in Venice where historic Renaissance design is King–the new bridge is a contemporary reinterpretation of a Venetian Ponte, constructed from prefabricated metal with a path of Istrian stone. Piero Lissoni comments: 'This bridge is not simply architecture. It's a symbol. A cultural connector. Indeed, one does not merely walk across—it passes through you, inviting reflection on what it means to move forward while holding memory.' As part of Venice Climate Week, Casa Sanlorenzo hosts the 'Sanlorenzo Talks', a series of candid conversations about sustainability, design and the ecological imperative of our age. During the talks leading voices from science, industry and the arts gather to explore how creativity can become an engine of change. The message is clear: beauty alone is no longer enough—it must be paired with ethics. That ethos extends to the jewel of Sanlorenzo's nautical artistry: the newly revealed Almax, a 50-meter superyacht that glides with the conscience of a new era. Sleek and sculptural, Almax's interiors are designed by Lissoni with exteriors by Zuccon International Project. Sanlorenzo's commitment to environmentally friendly yachting is reflected in the Reformer Fuel Cell, powered by green methanol-derived hydrogen to ensure zero emissions during onboard operations. Inside, Almax evokes a serene New York penthouse adrift at sea: pale wood floors, glass walls, bespoke furnishings, and an almost meditative atmosphere. The Almax exemplifies Sanlorenzo's embrace of art, architecture and design–a philosophy which is mirrored in Casa Sanlorenzo—a celebration of restraint, intention, and aesthetic harmony. Highlights of Casa Sanlorenzo's art collection include commanding works on the upper floor including a vast map by Arte Povera artist Alighiero Boetti and a slashed red canvas by Lucio Fontana–giants of contemporary Italian art–while the ground floor galleries offer a monochrome meditation by photographer Marco Palmieri, who is taking part in the inaugural Sanlorenzo Talks. Works by German painter Emil Michael Klein are also featured. Marco Palmieri exhbition at Casa Sanlorenzo, Venezia © Lee Sharrock In all of this—the yacht, the bridge, the gallery—there is a consistent throughline: a belief that design is not decoration but direction. That architecture can be activism. That art is not passive, but participatory. Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman Sanlorenzo said at the launch: 'Our aim with Casa Sanlorenzo is to offer a reference point for initiatives linked to the world of Sanlorenzo Arts, an entity conceived with the goal of celebrating and supporting the union between art, design and culture, where innovation and creativity can flourish without limits. Casa Sanlorenzo becomes a place where one enters to stop, reflect and share. A space of research, where art does not simply adorn, but rather interrogates. Where design does not impress, but guides. Where beauty is never for its own sake, but the bearer of ethics. In an increasingly virtual world, we wanted to invest in presence, in meaningful encounters, and in shared experiences. Because we believe that authenticity requires substance, time, and human connection. And Venice is the perfect place for this project.' Casa Sanlorenzo Founded in 1958, the Sanlorenzo shipyard has traveled far from its humble beginnings in Limite sull'Arno. Over decades it has grown and now has six shipyards across Italy. Through its Fondazione Sanlorenzo–founded in 2021–the company extends its hand to Italy's forgotten islands and communities, working to uplift, educate, and connect. Through Sanlorenzo Arts, it fosters the convergence of craftsmanship, culture and technology. And now, with Casa Sanlorenzo, this commitment takes architectural form. A place where yacht design steps ashore and becomes philosophy. Venice has long been a city of arrivals and departures, a threshold between lands and dreams. Now, with Casa Sanlorenzo, it welcomes a new kind of voyager—not a traveler seeking escape, but one seeking an anchor. Casa Sanlorenzo is a living organism, one that breathes through its spaces and speaks through its exhibitions. It also feels like Sanlorenzo's version of a love letter to Venice and declaration of its wish to be a custodian of culture by providing a permanent arts space where art, architecture, design, education and sustainability can converge. Find more information here on the Casa Sanlorenzo talks during Venice Climate Week. Casa Sanlorenzo Garden
Associated Press
17-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
SWITCH Diet Marathon: A European Initiative to Transform Food Systems
Eight Events, One Mission for Healthier and More Sustainable Eating BOLOGNA, ITALY, March 17, 2025 / / -- The SWITCH project officially launches the SWITCH Diet Marathon, a series of interactive events designed to redefine food consumption patterns across Europe. This initiative brings together key stakeholders—farmers, chefs, educators, healthcare professionals, and citizens—to develop local and scalable solutions for a more sustainable and health-conscious food system. The First Stop: Sweden – The Marathon will begin in Sweden on March 17 with an event focused on the intersection of food, medicine, and sustainability. Hosted at GoCo Health Innovation City, this gathering will bring together experts from the pharmaceutical industry, food science, healthcare, and gastronomy to explore how dietary choices influence both personal health and the broader food system. A key discussion will address the impact of weight-loss medications on food consumption and how nutrition can enhance or hinder their effectiveness. During the event will be highlighted the regional innovation through an exhibition of sustainable food solutions and a live cooking demonstration celebrating local ingredients. A special collaboration with the West Sweden Tourist Board and the City of Gothenburg will showcase the role of food in cultural identity and healthier eating habits. As the first stop of the Marathon SWITCH Diet, this event sets the stage for a pan-European dialogue on the future of food, bringing research, policy, and community engagement together to drive meaningful change. The SWITCH Diet Marathon will take place across the six Food Hubs of the project, each event reflecting local priorities, challenges, and opportunities and two intermediate stops: we will start in Sweden to move in Spain, France, Italy and Germany. In each Food Hubs' events, participants will engage in dialogues, workshops, and hands-on experiences that foster collaboration between food providers, hospitality professionals, educators, public health experts, and citizens. The Marathon SWITCH Diet is part of a broader mission to promote healthy, sustainable, and inclusive eating habits. The events will explore practical and locally relevant strategies to reduce food waste, enhance nutrition education, and support regenerative food systems. 'The SWITCH Diet Marathon is not just a journey through different food cultures; it is a path to regeneration. Making food more sustainable is not enough—we must rethink it as a catalyst for transforming our territories, our health, and our planet. Through dialogue between science, agriculture, gastronomy, and local communities, we create concrete solutions for a food system that not only reduces its impact but also generates value, fertility, and well-being for all.' says Sara Roversi, President of the Future Food Institute, Ngo leading theCommunication and Dissemination of the SWITCH project. To participate in the Marathon SWITCH Diet events, visit SWITCH (Sustainable transition to healthy and inclusive food systems) is a European initiative funded by Horizon Europe with the mission of fostering a just, healthy, and sustainable food transition. The project focuses on research, innovation, and collaboration to improve food systems across Europe, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Launched in January 2023, SWITCH brings together 20 partners and operates through six regional Food Hubs in Italy, Germany, France, Sweden, and Spain. These hubs serve as living laboratories where policymakers, food producers, researchers, and citizens work together to develop practical solutions for healthier and more sustainable food environments. The overarching goal of SWITCH is to improve understanding of knowledge, accessibility and facilitation gaps that limit present large-scale adoption of sustainable and healthy diets among European citizens and to develop and demonstrate appropriate innovative solutions and tools to facilitate policymakers and all the multi-actors of the European food system in the transition towards healthy and sustainable dietary behavior. Media Team SWITCH SWITCH X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer:
Associated Press
31-01-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
The Mediterranean Diet as a Model for Sustainability, Health, and Cultural Resilience in a Changing World
Sara Roversi (Future Food Institute), Supports and Affirms the Mediterranean Diet as a Sustainable and Resilient Model 'The Mediterranean Diet is not a relic of the past but a living model of sustainability, health and cultural resilience that must be safeguarded and transferred to future generations.' — Sara Roversi, President - Future Food Institute; Paideia Campus. POLLICA, ITALY, January 31, 2025 / / -- Sara Roversi, founder of Future Food Institute, reaffirm the Mediterranean Diet (MD) as a living, evolving model of sustainable food systems, cultural heritage, and public health. This statement comes in response to recent discussions, including the Politico article 'The Mediterranean Diet is a Lie,' which questioned its relevance and authenticity in modern society. A Science-Backed, Sustainable Food Model UNESCO recognizes the Mediterranean Diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, and it is widely supported by scientific research as one of the most effective dietary patterns for promoting longevity, biodiversity, and lower environmental impact. Recent studies show that adherence to the MD is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and increased protection of local food biodiversity. Italy, a key Mediterranean Diet country, leads Europe in organic farming, with over 64,000 certified organic producers, and its agricultural sector emits 46% less CO₂ than the EU average—highlighting its sustainability compared to industrialized food systems. Despite these well-documented benefits, the original article attempts to instrumentalize selective data points without considering the broader systemic perspective—one that has consistently demonstrated significant large-scale impacts in health, environmental sustainability, and cultural resilience. Addressing the Real Challenge: A Shift in Lifestyles While critiques point to rising obesity rates in Mediterranean countries, research confirms that the issue is not with the Mediterranean Diet itself, but with how modern societies have drifted away from its principles. Changes in lifestyle—such as reduced physical activity, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, and the decline of traditional meal-sharing practices—have led to lower adherence to the MD. Despite this, Italy remains a leader in fruit and vegetable consumption and has some of the lowest levels of sugary drink intake in Europe, proving that the MD is not disappearing but rather being neglected. A Global Response: Revitalizing the Mediterranean Diet To counter this trend, Paideia Campus in Pollica, home to the Permanent Secretariat of the UNESCO Network of Mediterranean Diet Communities, is actively working with the Future Food Institute to promote educational programs and policy initiatives that revive and adapt the Mediterranean Diet's core values. The MD aligns with key global sustainability and health priorities, including: ✔ Climate Action – A diet with a significantly lower carbon footprint than industrialized Western diets. ✔ Biodiversity & Food Sovereignty – Promotion of regenerative agriculture and traditional, local food systems. ✔ Public Health – Strong scientific support for its role in disease prevention and longevity. ✔ Cultural & Community Preservation – Encouraging social cohesion through shared meals and intergenerational knowledge exchange. Future Food Institute's Commitment The Future Food Institute remains committed to ensuring that the Mediterranean Diet continues to serve as a scientifically validated, culturally rich, and environmentally sustainable model for future generations. In Pollica, the Center of Studies on Mediterranean Diet 'Angelo Vassallo,' serving as the Secretariat of the UNESCO Network of Mediterranean Diet Communities, is working alongside Paideia Campus by Future Food Institute to revive the true meaning of the Mediterranean Diet—educating future generations on its role as a sustainable, resilient, and holistic approach to food, health, and ecology. The Mediterranean Diet is Not Dead—It's Our Responsibility to Keep It Alive Roversi's article calls for a shift in perspective: instead of fueling cynicism and skepticism, efforts should be directed toward revitalizing and protecting the Mediterranean Diet's core values. 'The Mediterranean Diet is not a lie, nor is it dead. It is a living system that adapts, regenerates, and inspires. The real challenge is not to deconstruct or dismiss it, but to safeguard and strengthen its principles for future generations,' Roversi concludes. Media Team Future Food Institute +39 377 081 0235 X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
