Reggio Emilia is preparing to host the most important European festival on placemaking and urban regeneration. Among the key players of this edition will be NAD – Nuova Accademia del Design, part of Hdemy Group, with its Director Gianpietro Sacchi featured as one of the speakers in the session “Designing Identity: Places, People, Memory and Change.”
From September 23 to 26, 2025, Reggio Emilia will welcome more than 700 professionals, urban planners, policymakers, and community leaders from across Europe and beyond for an event that has become a reference point for those involved in urban regeneration and social innovation.
This year’s theme, “Historic Centers, New Opportunities,” invites participants to reflect on the future of historic city centers, the challenges posed by social fragmentation, and the new opportunities offered by design and inclusive urban planning.
NAD – Nuova Accademia del Design: Education as a Driver of Innovation
Founded in Verona, NAD – Nuova Accademia del Design is a training institution known for its practical, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking approach. As part of Hdemy Group, NAD offers advanced programs in Interior Design, Garden Design, Visual Design, Product Design, and Fashion Design, aiming to train professionals capable of responding to the evolving needs of the market.
“For NAD, participating in events such as Placemaking Week Europe is a way to reaffirm our mission: to prepare designers and project makers who can understand social change and translate it into innovative and inclusive solutions.”
– Gianpietro Sacchi, Director of NAD
With its network of professional lecturers, partnerships with leading companies, and a learning-by-doing methodology, NAD has become a reference point for those seeking an education that combines creativity, technical expertise, and strategic vision.
The Session: “Designing Identity: Places, People, Memory and Change”
On September 25 at 16:15, at Mamimo – Officine Creative Reggiane, Gianpietro Sacchi will join a panel discussion that will address:
-
Spatial storytelling and civic branding to strengthen the identity of historic centers;
-
Wayfinding and retail evolution as tools to enhance accessibility and economic vitality;
-
Inclusive architecture and intergenerational spaces as key components of livable cities;
-
Civic participation and co-design as drivers of social resilience.
The session will bring together experts from Italy, Mexico, and the United States, offering an international perspective on development models for mid-sized cities.
Speakers: “Designing Identity: Places, People, Memory and Change”
The panel will feature experts from academic, design, and research backgrounds, offering a comprehensive look at the future of historic centers and urban identity-building:
-
Miguel Rangel (MR) – Urban practitioner with international experience in urban regeneration and community co-design projects.
-
Benta Wiley (BW) – Architect and trend researcher, active in strategic design and placemaking for territorial enhancement.
-
Gianpietro Sacchi (GS) – Director of NAD – Nuova Accademia del Design, a leading figure in design education and promoter of innovative approaches to project-making.
-
Francesco Bombardi (FB) – Designer and curator of cultural initiatives, known for his work with Officine Creative Reggiane and social innovation projects.
-
Abudi Baradi (AB) – Designer and cultural activist focusing on inclusion, community engagement, and public space.
-
Miguel Mendoza (MM) – Researcher and consultant specializing in urban transformation analysis and civic participation processes.
This session will create a fertile ground for dialogue between Italy, Mexico, and the United States, reflecting on how to transform historic centers into vibrant, accessible spaces capable of fostering belonging for future generations.
Hdemy Group: A Training Hub for Design and Communication
NAD’s participation is part of the broader strategy of Hdemy Group, which also includes the Accademia Cappiello in Florence, a historic school of communication and visual arts.
Hdemy Group positions itself as an educational ecosystem for the future of design, integrating creativity, digital innovation, sustainability, and strong collaboration with the business world. Attending international events such as Placemaking Week Europe allows the group to:
-
Connect the academic world with the international debate on urban regeneration and social inclusion;
-
Create networking opportunities for students, faculty, and industry partners;
-
Strengthen NAD’s brand positioning as a reference point for those who want to become designers in an evolving world.
Design as a Tool for Social Transformation
The presence of NAD and Gianpietro Sacchi at Placemaking Week Europe 2025 is more than a visibility opportunity: it confirms a concrete commitment to promoting design that is inclusive, participatory, and capable of generating positive impact within communities.
📅 When: September 23–26, 2025
📍 Where: Reggio Emilia – Officine Creative Reggiane
🔗 More info: Placemaking Week Europe 2025
