The 13th Edition of the Dedalo Minosse Prize Finds Its Place in the Basilica Palladiana

On the occasion of the 13th edition of the Dedalo Minosse International Prize for Commissioning in Architecture, we collaborated with ALA – Assoarchitetti & Ingegneri to design and realize the exhibition held in the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza. Together, we developed an exhibition project that enhances both the awarded works and the architectural space that hosts them, creating a fluid, open, and harmonious experience. Read the full case study to discover the exhibition!

dedalo minosse_basilica palladiana_2025_manaly
Dedalo Minosse

Context

Established in 1997 and promoted biennially by ALA Assoarchitetti with the Region of Veneto and the City of Vicenza, the Dedalo Minosse International Prize for Commissioning in Architecture celebrates the virtuous dialogue between architects and clients—key players in the creative and construction process. The Dedalo Minosse Prize recognizes the value of the client as a driving force behind architectural quality, rewarding those who, through conscious and innovative choices, contribute to the creation of works that are meaningful to the community.Guided by a scientific committee of experts from the worlds of architecture, culture, and business, the Prize adopts evaluation criteria that consider the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability, the innovative use of technologies and materials, the enhancement of the landscape and local traditions, as well as inclusion and multidisciplinary approaches. The most recent edition showcased 70 projects from around the world, including 5 main awards, 8 special prizes, and 11 mentions, presented through photographs, texts, and models. The works ranged from residential to public spaces, from education to culture, reflecting a shared commitment to social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and sustainability—core values of a prize that promotes an ethical and collective vision of contemporary architecture.

dedalo minosse_basilica palladiana_2025_manaly
dedalo minosse_basilica palladiana_2025_manaly

Company

ALA – Assoarchitetti & Ingegneri is the national association representing self-employed architects and engineers, promoting and safeguarding their role and professional interests. Recognized as a “social partner” by the Ministry of Labour, ALA is a member of Confprofessioni and participates in CEPLIS in Brussels, contributing to the development of European policies for intellectual professions. The association brings together architects, engineers, landscape designers, planners, and conservators, offering advocacy, training, and professional development opportunities. It is accredited by the CNAPPC for the issuance of continuing professional education credits and organizes educational programs curated by a scientific committee of experts. Beyond training, ALA promotes cultural initiatives, conferences, and debates dedicated to architecture and the profession. Among its most notable activities are the Dedalo Minosse International Prize for Commissioning in Architecture and Dedalo Minosse Cinema, both celebrating the dialogue between designers, clients, and society.

dedalo minosse_basilica palladiana_2025_manaly
dedalo minosse_basilica palladiana_2025_manaly
dedalo minosse_basilica palladiana_2025_manaly

70

Exhibitions

592

Wooden beams

200

of exhibition space

Objective

Curated and organized by ALA – Assoarchitetti & Ingegneri, the exhibition was created to narrate and celebrate the achievements of the Dedalo Minosse International Prize for Commissioning in Architecture. The design of the exhibition was conceived as an immersive narrative journey, showcasing the stories, ideas, and processes behind the awarded works, fostering dialogue between architecture, clients, and the community. The exhibition layout was designed to enhance the Basilica Palladiana, the historic venue of the event, integrating harmoniously with its architecture—highlighting rather than concealing its spatial qualities and natural light. Alongside the main exhibition path, the setup includes a conference area for talks and debates, and spaces for smaller collateral exhibitions. The overall goal was to offer the public a cultural and professional experience that highlights the value of collaboration and contemporary architectural excellence.

dedalo minosse_basilica palladiana_2025_manaly
dedalo minosse_basilica palladiana_2025_manaly

Solutions

At Manaly, we brought ALA’s vision to life by creating a unique and dynamic layout capable of showcasing all 70 Dedalo Minosse projects within a sequence of open galleries built from 8.5x8.5 cm wooden beams. These structural elements form a series of modular frames and substructures that support the display panels while providing lightness and visual transparency. Visitors can choose to follow the main exhibition path or head directly to the conference area. Around these central zones, collateral exhibitions unfold — true “exhibitions within the exhibition” — dedicated to specific themes and projects. We were responsible for the engineering, construction, and installation of the entire project, continuing the successful collaboration begun during the previous 2022 edition.