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MZA MONACO: Engineering for Architecture and Building

Façades PUBLI-COMMUNIQUÉ

The Principality of Monaco is in the midst of a historic transformation. New constructions and
renovating old buildings into emblematic works of architecture are shaking up the construction
industry. Architect Samuela Durante, Manager of MZA MONACO SARL and coordinator of the
MZA SITE-ENG division, shares her views on the role of engineering in creating ‘‘haute couture’’
architecture and façades for Monaco's new buildings.

© FAYAT GROUP et MOMA

Schuylkill Tower (Monaco), niveau R+15, R+16, R+17 et R+18, régénération du « mesh mathématique » par MZA MONACO pour Zaha Hadid Architects & Square Architectes
Schuylkill Tower (Monaco), levels R+15, R+16, R+17 and R+18, the ‘mathematical mesh’ by MZA MONACO for Zaha Hadid Architects & Square Architectes
In your opinion, what difficulties is Monaco been implemented. However, it is important architectural projects in terms of managing time
facing the challenge of this far-reaching to consider a fundamental point when talking imperatives. Furthermore, the length of the
architectural transformation? about geometric-architectural forms: some subcontracting chain is often also a factor in the
I think the difficulties lie in new architectural architectural objects have regular design rules loss of technical details in erecting structures.
designs, many of which are based on the applied to them and others don’t. This difference
recent trend towards computerised design. is crucial: in the first case, we can determine Do you see a solution or a new perspective
Look at the work of Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry the mathematics that governs these shapes to this issue?
and Jean Nouvel for examples. New ways of and so regenerate them and, from there, the One of the most important solutions is staff
conceiving the ‘form’ of an architectural work production process can be greatly simplified. training. Architectural cladding systems are
represent a real challenge to the traditional Reconstructing the rules of conception is a neither traditional nor conventional, and they
system of design and construction in our field. sometimes fascinating engineering challenge. require a special expertise and sensitivity that
In some cases, using standard approaches to is acquired over several years. The MZA SITE-
structures are extremely diminished, or even Let's move on to the ‘construction’ part. You ENG division was born out of the specific design
eliminated. This changes the methodologies manage an engineering team specialising expertise of MZA STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING,
generally applied to the chain of phases for in architectural facades made of steel and which specialises in special steel-aluminium-
approval, manufacturing and installation, with cladding from design to installation. These glass structures and cladding systems, from
problems that often affect planning. include some very special examples such as large façades to footbridges and the rooftops
the roof of the 170 metre-high Odeon Tower, of Olympic stadiums. The MZA group has a
You've had the opportunity to interact with the Calatrava bridge over the Grand Canal large engineering back office and a vast pool
and compare different ways of thinking about in Venice, and the facade of Google's new of technology: these combined elements can
avant-garde architectural constructions, from headquarters in London. In your opinion, speed up the development and resolution
Santiago Calatrava, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid what is the key factor in meeting today’s of construction-related issues. The MZA
and Alexandre Giraldi. What do you see as the increasingly tight deadlines? SITE-ENG division therefore benefits from
points of differentiation between these styles Over the years, we have found that the chain of ongoing technical assistance to support the
and ‘classical’ architecture? subcontracting, which is characteristic of the study phases and EXE approval processes.
The shape. Today, architectural structures are construction sector, can be a critical parameter The company invests an average of 6% of its
conceived differently. Shapes are increasingly if it is not perfectly planned and controlled. annual turnover in R&D and specialist training.
designed virtually with digital tools that push Increasingly, this is leading to emerging problems. This continuing investment and training are
the boundaries of construction towards new In this sense, the subcontracting chain doesn’t unshakeable cornerstones of the MZA Group.
methodologies that, in some cases, have never appear to be the most efficient way of managing It’s an unwavering commitment.

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