OTA_EN - Manni OTA

Off-Site Technologies for Architecture - structure

Take part in the first course on off-site architecture, a sustainable way of doing architecture.

Brief

Technology is the tool with which architecture is made.

Whether one is a technician or an architect, one needs deep knowledge – the former – and a solid understanding of the tools that make every project possible – the latter. Like all human phenomena, technology evolves according to trends and advances with a common understanding of environmental, economic, and social events. In this regard, off-site is one of the undisputed leaders in modern construction technology, proving to be among the most effective methods of creating quality low-environmental-impact architecture.

In a world where the demand for architecture is growing exponentially -despite the urgency to reduce the anthropogenic load on the environment and ecosystem- off-site is one of the most viable alternatives to meet the current needs of the world’s population without jeopardizing the future of the planet.

This is why the course in “Off-site Technologies for Architecture” was created, to turn technicians and architects into experts in the latest trends in off-site construction technology, therefore able to offer tangible solutions for a better and more sustainable future. Thanks to their expertise in a modern culture of technology, designers will become valuable professionals in any design process, learning tools to shape their projects and becoming part of a trend marked by major investments by the world’s major players. Through the experience of Manni Group and the help of some of the most authoritative voices in the field (as engineering companies and researchers), designers will delve into the most up-to-date technical and composition possibilities in a program comprising 84 hours of classes, workshops, and visits, 32 hours of workshop, numerous lectures by renowned professionals and at least 2 months of placement at the illustrious partner firms.

Language: Italian

Available places: 15 in person, 5 online

Place: Bologna

Calendar: 24.11.2025 – 20.2.2026 (3 days/week)

Placement activation: March 2026 – May 2026

Enrollment fee: 2900 € + VAT (Online), 7900 € + VAT (In person)

Scholarships: 3, one dedicated to the memory of Giuseppe Manni, +1 dedicated to members of the Order of Architects of Rome and its Province

Teaching modules

History of modern engineering
Evolution in construction technology
Grazia Marrone, Politecnico di Milano

The executive design
Characteristics and challenges of the final stage of the design
Stefano Tagliacarne, Atelier Verticale

Off-site technologies
Challenges and opportunities
Partner Companies

The building site
Processes and methods of production of the architectural work
Giovanni Romiti, Politecnica Building for Humans

Material types
Wood, steel and concrete: correspondence between technology and project
Michele Fascilla, ATI Project

Sustainability & carbon neutrality
Calculation and mitigation of construction industry impact
Lucio Brotto, ETIFOR

Off-site and seismic
Performance characteristics of steel architectures
Raffaele Landolfo, Università degli Studi di Napoli

Antarctic
Challenges and characteristics of the white continent
Gian Marco Luna, CNR

Workshops

Design parameterization
Creativity and first industrialization of the project
Francesco Conserva, Open Project

BIM beginner
Essential design methodologies and tools
Giacomo Bergonzoni, Capgemini engineering

Off-site cityscape
Off-site as a tool for urban regeneration
Matteo Arietti, Park Associati

Visits

Manni production plant (Verona)*

Eurac Research*

CNR Venice – National Research Council*

*not available for students attending online

Special lectures

Research and New Tech for sustainability
Paolo Cresci, Arup

Production of complexity: from parametrics to the construction site
Paolo Matteuzzi, Zaha Hadid Architects

Tech in high-rise buildings
Nicola Scaranaro, Foster + Partners

Sustainable research and technology
Raul Forsoni, UNStudio

BIG’s construction sites
Giulio Rigoni, BIG Bjarke Ingels Group

Architectural scenarios in the USA
Arne Emerson, Morphosis

Innovation vs industrialisation
Sanne van der Burgh, MVRDV

Off-site systems and branded architecture
Giovanni De Niederhausern, Pininfarina

The future of the cities: big data and technological innovation
Carlo Ratti, Carlo Ratti Associati

The future as reinterpretation of past techniques
Mario Cucinella, Mario Cucinella Architects

Design workshop

The workshop is conducted in collaboration with the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (National Research Council) and will deal with the study of an international research station to be placed in the Antarctic context.

Construction workshop

Construction is a fundamental step in architecture. For this reason, Yacademy offers its students the opportunity to participate in the process of producing their own ideas. Thus, the students will gain practical experience on construction sites and, above all, the authorship of projects built for excellent commissions, destined for a major media echo and capable of defining a turning point in their professional career.

Placement

At the end of teaching modules and workshop, Yacademy’s Placement office will guarantee every student an internship or collaboration proposal in one of our partner studios.

Admission

Requirements

Students or graduates in Architecture/Design can apply to the course. The commission, based on the assessment of the application, may admit students with different qualifications.

Registration

To apply, it is necessary to register online and submit a Curriculum Vitae, a Portfolio, and a Motivational Letter. Moreover, it is necessary to pay the administration fee (60€ + VAT). The best 20 candidates will be admitted to the course according to the rules.