Washington DC, March 24, 2026 ~ Italian design returns to the spotlight in Washington, DC with the 10th Edition of the “Italian Design Day in the World”, in synergy with the 5th Edition of “Italian Design Week,” which took place yesterday at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, D.C. The Italian Design Day will conclude tonight with a reception hosted at Villa Firenze by the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, H.E. Marco Peronaci, honoring the Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli and celebrating the protagonists of the Day.
The 2026 edition followed the central theme of Re-design as a path to regeneration, a vision that includes architecture, industry, cities, and societies, proposing new models of sustainable and inclusive development. This theme was interpreted by the guest of honor Mario Cucinella, internationally renowned architect and founder and creative director of MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects.
A pioneer of design as creative empathy, Cucinella brought to Washington the experience of a leading firm in the transformation of urban spaces on the global level, demonstrating how technological innovation and environmental responsibility can converge in a new regenerative economy. The traveling installation “Sustainability Box” was also inaugurated yesterday at the Embassy. The “Sustainability Box” is a creation that playfully and interactively narrates the studio’s underlying philosophy, expressing the creative empathy that embodies the approach of Mario Cucinella and MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects.
The strategic partnership established with OICE – Associazione delle organizzazioni italiane di ingegneria, architettura e consulenza tecnico-economica (the Association of Italian Engineering, Architecture, and Consulting Organizations) was key. The association helps strengthen Italy’s position as a leading technological partner and highlights the excellence of Italian designers on international markets. Keynote speakers included Marco Ragusa, Director for International Affairs at OICE, whose Vice President Alfredo Ingletti is the first Italian to hold the position of President of the World Federation of Engineering and Consulting (FIDIC), a symbolic recognition of Italian engineering at the international level.
Also present at the event were Azzurra Morelli (Pellemoda), Carlotta de Bevilacqua (Artemide), Carla Migliardi (SINERGIE), and Valeria Lorenzelli (Progetto NEARRES), who were awarded the title of “champions” of creative innovation and sustainability, alongside Alfredo Ingletti.
This year’s edition of “Italian Design Week” confirms the excellent collaboration between the Embassy, the Italian Cultural Institute in Washington, and Roberta Marcenaro Lyon’s IMARK. The event confirms its status as the leading platform for showcasing Made in Italy and a meeting point for institutions, businesses, architects, and key players in the economic and cultural sectors of Italy and the United States.
