The Italian Cultural Society (ICS), a nonprofit organization that promotes the appreciation and knowledge of Italian Language and Culture, will host “Green Obsession”, a fundraising Gala at the Embassy of Italy on October 18, 2023 at 6.30 Pm EST. At the event, the ICS will honor Stefano Boeri, an Italian architect, urban planner, and a founding partner of Stefano Boeri Architetti.

Lavinia Fici Pasquinia, professor of Architecture and Planning at the Catholic University of America, will interview Mr. Boeri about his notable work in urban forestry. In recognition of the World Forum on Urban Forests, which also takes place in October in Washington, DC, the ICS is pleased to honor Stefano Boeri, architect, professor, urban planner, and curator of numerous international architecture exhibitions.

His esteemed firm's work ranges from producing urban visions and architecture to interior and product design, focusing on the geopolitical and environmental implications of urban phenomena. Architect of the Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest), built in Milan in 2014, Stefano Boeri’s practice ranges from urban planning to architecture. Stefano Boeri Architetti’s Vertical Forests are designed to provide a high level of biodiversity in densely populated areas, integrating living nature into architecture. The presence of plants and trees contributes to reduce air pollution and improve air quality, which can have significant health benefits, particularly for people who live in cities and are exposed to high levels of pollution. Stefano Boeri Architetti is currently working in implementing urban forestry strategies around the world, with Vertical Forests in the Netherlands – with the first Vertical Forest for social housing built in Eindhoven in 2021 and Wonderwoods Vertical Forest under construction in Utrecht – and, in Milan, the new Policlinico hospital, that will host a 6,000 sqm garden for therapeutical use on its rooftop. In addition to the architecture design activity, Stefano Boeri Architetti’s work include urban regeneration and master plans for metropolises and large cities, including Geneva, Tirana, Cancun, Cairo and in Italy Milan, Genoa, Cagliari, Naples, Padua, Taranto and many others.

Among the main opinion leaders in the climate change debate in the field of international architecture, in 2017 Stefano Boeri participates in the Commonwealth Regenerative Development to Reverse Climate Change program; he is co-chair of the scientific committee of the World Forum on Urban Forests (Mantua, 2018 and Washington 2023) and, on the occasion of the UN Climate Action Summit 2019, he presented in New York the Green Urban Oases project, together with FAO, C40 and other international research institutes.

The architect Stefano Boeri has been recently awarded the European Lung Foundation (ELF) Award for his work and commitment to improving air quality in urban environments. Also, the "Green Obsession" campaign by Stefano Boeri Architetti, the unique approach to architecture and urban planning that represents a new way of imagining the future of contemporary cities, has won the United Nations SDG Action Awards, selected in the final among 5,000 projects from 190 countries. This award is considered as the "Oscar" of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals which, as part of the United Nations' SDG Action campaign, reward initiatives that mobilize, inspire and connect communities to promote positive change.

The ICS Gala 2023 will be emceed by Amy Riolo, Award-Winning, Best-Selling Author, Chef, and Television Personality. The evening will begin with an Italian style cocktail reception and Live music (Elijah Jamal Balded and his Jazz Trio), followed by a seated gourmet dinner and a celebration of the 2023 Scholarship Award recipients, who distinguished themselves in the study of Italian, Classics, Art, Science, and Music, including a piano performance. Representatives of the cultural, business, institutional and diplomatic community of Washington DC, NYC and beyond will be present.

To purchase tickets to the ICS Gala 2023, please visit https://italianculturalsociety.org/special-events/gala2022/ or contact the Gala Office by phone: 301.215.7885 or via email: [email protected]

The Italian Cultural Society of Washington, DC, aims to enhance the appreciation and knowledge of Italian language and culture. The Society creates opportunities to explore the many facets of Italian culture and to strengthen bonds between the Italian and American people. The ICS does this primarily through the Italian Language Program, founded in 1974, thanks to contributions from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We are an ENTE GESTORE e PROMOTORE della lingua e cultura Italiana, recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Italian Embassy. The mission as Ente Gestore is to include the Italian language in the curricula of American private and public schools and promote our language and culture among families through courses, scholarship awards, and events that promote Italian culture and heritage. We collaborate with the Italian Cultural Institute, the Italian Embassy, universities, and other institutions and organizations in Washington, DC, and the US. Visit: www.italianculturalsociety.org