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About us

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"Raggi e ArchiTetture - Ville di Lignano" is a non-profit cultural association whose members are owners of villas, houses, and buildings in Lignano Sabbiadoro (Udine) in the Pineta, Riviera, and Sabbiadoro areas. These properties were designed in the 20th century by renowned architects including Marcello D'Olivo, Gianni Avon, Aldo Bernardis, Paolo Pascolo, Claudio Nardi, Iginio Cappai, and Pietro Mainardis.

During that period, a region rich in architectural works was established, perfectly integrated into its surroundings. This is where Lignano Pineta architecture was born! It is an architecture made with local materials, using the wood and stone from the hinterland, as well as local bricks and concrete. Characterized by predominantly horizontal lines, it is adapted to the dunes and gentle slopes of the terrain.

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Our History

In the 1950s, the area of Lignano Sabbiadoro was open, with its urban planning just beginning to take shape, and the architecture seamlessly integrated into this evolving landscape.

Events such as: 

- The exhibition "Gianni Avon: Architecture in Lignano 1954-1972"

- "90 20th-Century Architectures in Lignano"

- "The Architect's Wednesdays," a tribute to Aldo Bernardis, with meetings first at the Terrazza a Mare and later at the Municipal Librar. Served as the groundwork for the publication of the book “Dentro Lignano - Inside Lignano” in 2019.

The book, curated by architect Giulio Avon and Dr. Ferruccio Luppi with Gaspari Editore of Udine, involved villa owners in opening and photographing these valuable architectures. The images were laid out alongside lesser-known historical photographs.

Through these initiatives, some owners, aware of holding part of a historical heritage, became more open to sharing it with the public and founded the Association "Raggi e ArchiTetture - Ville di Lignano." 

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Recognized by the Register of Associations of the city of Lignano Sabbiadoro.
With Determination No. Reg. Gen. 456 dated 05/06/2023, the Register of Associations of the City of Lignano Sabbiadoro was updated, and "Raggi e ArchiTetture - Ville di Lignano" was assigned the number: No. 117.

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Meet our Team

Dedication. Experience. Passion.

- Board of Directors composed of the President, Vice President, and Board Member

- Scientific Committee

- Expert Founding Member

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Sabrina Mazza

President of the Board of Directors

Lover of architecture, eager to disseminate the historical heritage present in the Lignano area.

She passionately leads the Association "Raggi e ArchiTetture - Ville di Lignano," dedicating herself to the enhancement of the historic villas in Lignano. Through her commitment, she promotes the culture of the local architectural heritage.

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Valter Sbaiz

Vice President

His experience enriches the artistic enhancement initiatives of the association.

A son of artists, his mother, Antonietta Sbaiz, a Lignano entrepreneur, brought high fashion to Friuli with the boutique “Sbaiz Spazio Moda,” which was listed among the top one hundred fashion stores in the world in 2014.

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Federica Esposito

Board Member

She enthusiastically contributes to the promotion and protection of historic villas.

"Kika" collaborated with her father Federico, a director in the 1970s for the Lyric Season of the Autonomous Tourist Board of Lignano Sabbiadoro. From assistant director to director, she pursued her passion until graduation, after which she dedicated herself to other pursuits.

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Diana Barillari

Scientific Committee

She participates in conferences and activities focused on the promotion of architectural heritage.

Architectural historian, academic experience (Units), publications, and research on key figures of the 19th and 20th centuries, D'Aronco, Nordio, D'Olivo, Valle, Scarpa, Zanuso.

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Veronica Riavis

Scientific Committee

Researcher in Drawing at UNIUD, with a Ph.D. in Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture.

Expert in BIM and inclusive tactile representation, she received the Silver Plaque "Gaspare De Fiore" in 2020 for her contribution to the disciplines of representation.

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Giulio Avon

Expert Founding Member

Architect, he has carried out restorations and redevelopments, including those of Villa Manin, the Cividale Cathedral, and Piazza Ursella.

Son of Gianni and grandson of Gino, he has always been immersed in art and architecture. He designed exhibition setups, including those for Ramous and Ricci. He oversaw the production of books and exhibitions about Lignano.

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Discover More...

Individuals and private entities (such as companies, associations, foundations, etc.) who are owners or co-owners of historic buildings or individual historic property units, or who hold other real rights over such properties, according to the criteria established by the Scientific Committee, qualify as regular members.

The Association intends to carry out, in particular, the following activities:

  • Enhancement of Buildings: Promote the preservation and appreciation of both private and public buildings from the 20th century located in the municipality of Lignano Sabbiadoro, specifically in the areas of Sabbiadoro, Pineta, and Riviera.

  • Identification and Cataloging: Identify and catalog architectures that align with the Association’s objectives by preparing and affixing a special plaque on the exterior of the building.

  • Event Organization: Organize events that contribute to the cultural and tourism promotion of the area, highlighting its architectural heritage.

  • Conferences and Educational Activities: Plan and manage conferences, training courses, seminars, lectures, debates, workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, art, photography, and cinematography exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural and educational initiatives aimed at increasing knowledge of Lignano Sabbiadoro’s architectural heritage both locally and beyond.

  • Support for Academic Work: Promote university and post-university theses, provide awards and scholarships, and assign tasks to third parties within the fields of architecture or humanities to encourage the enhancement of heritage in these areas.

  • Research and Studies: Promote studies, research, and initiatives directed at achieving the Association’s social objectives.

  • Editorial and Multimedia Activities: Organize and manage editorial and multimedia activities, publications, and collect materials and documentation to promote and disseminate the historical architectural culture created by the Association.

  • Information and Advocacy: Provide information to members and the public on safeguarding, conserving, enhancing, and managing architectures

  • Fostering Collaboration: Develop activities and initiatives to facilitate mutual understanding and collaboration among members in pursuit of the Association’s goals.

  • Public Relations: Maintain relations with relevant public entities and offices for the protection, use, and enhancement of historic architectures as identified by the statutes.

  • Legislative Advocacy: Evaluate and study solutions for more effective national and European legislative frameworks.

  • Further Initiatives: Undertake any other appropriate initiatives for the promotion and enhancement of historic architectures as part of the network established by the Association.

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Partners
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