Progressive’s research continues through the work of Giulia de Appolonia – Officina di Architettura. Public works have defined the studio’s primary field of action from its very first projects in Portugal. This approach — the result of a conscious choice, pursued consistently and with determination — as highlighted by Giulia Ricci in her essay, makes de Appolonia’s trajectory distinctive within the contemporary Italian architectural scene.

“Architecture,” states de Appolonia, “is not a garment placed over the engineer’s work.” Her commitment to “exploring the limits of structure” lies at the core of her design process: a rigorous, tectonic expressiveness capable of establishing a dialogue with its context and speaking to a community.

Maurizio Carones practices as an architect in Milan. He is Adjunct Professor of Architecture and Architectural Composition at the Milan Polytechnic and has published studies on contemporary architecture and the city. He is editor of the publishing series Itineraries of Milanese Architecture. Modern Architecture as a Description of the City, published by the Foundation of the Order of Architects P.P.C. of Milan.

Giulia de Appolonia graduated in Architecture from the Politecnico di Milano in 1994 with highest honors. She worked in Portugal from 1991 to 2004. In 2014, she founded her own practice, Giulia de Appolonia – Officina di Architettura, which focuses on medium-scale public works, with particular attention to educational, sports, and cultural facilities, as well as landscape and environmental interventions. In 2025, she received the Gold Medal at the Deawards Prize.

Giulia Ricci is a professional journalist and was a member of the editorial staff of Domus. Since 2022, she has served on the Cultural Scientific Committee (CTS Cultura) of the Fondazione OAMi. She is an advisor to the EU Mies Awards, the Italian Architecture Prize, and the Gubbio Prize. She is active in research and curatorial practice and is co-author of Dante Bini: Mechatronics (2016). She has written for journals such as OASE Journal, ARK, and Largo Duomo, and is deputy editor of About.