The docu-series Lezioni di Piano, produced by MUSE/Factory of Project in collaboration with the Renzo Piano Foundation, chronicles the Art of Building Workshop that Renzo Piano led at the Politecnico di Milano during the 2023/2024 academic year.
Since 2023, Renzo Piano has served as a professor at the Politecnico, teaching final-year Architecture students through this six-month Workshop. The classes take place in Building 14, La Nave, at the heart of the Leonardo campus—a multidisciplinary space designed to foster collaboration and hands-on learning. The course offers an educational journey rooted in practical experience, guided by the insights of Renzo Piano and the architects of the Renzo Piano Building Workshop who have contributed to his projects. Students work alongside tutors—experts from various disciplines within the university—who accompany them through research and design development.
Each year, 24 students, divided into groups of four, engage with six of Piano’s projects from around the world. Through site visits, reimagining and refining existing designs, they complete what becomes the first fully realized project of their careers. This is far more than an academic exercise: it is a shared exploration of architecture, born from Piano’s openness to reveal not only his successes but also the gaps and opportunities for improvement within his work.
The Workshop also welcomes distinguished guests from the worlds of culture, science, and business, highlighting Piano’s belief that crossing disciplinary boundaries is essential to mastering one of the most complex and inspiring professions—architecture.
With Lezioni di Piano, the Foundation has sought to extend this experience beyond the walls of the Politecnico. All six episodes are now available to stream on RaiPlay — enjoy the series!