Towards sustainable exhibiting. A conversation with Marco Fogarolo

The exhibition design sector in Italy constitutes a complex and multidisciplinary field that brings together technical, logistical, design, and cultural dimensions. Despite its growing importance, the professional figure of the allestitore (exhibition builder) continues to be narrowly defined by current legislation — particu- larly by the Decreto Palchi e Fiere (Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, 2014) — which confines the role to that of a mere contractual executor. This contribution is based on an interview with Marco Fogarolo, professional and representative of ASAL – Assoallestimenti. Structured around four guiding questions, the interview bridges the worlds of research and professional practice, highlighting the gap between regulatory definitions and daily work, the regulatory fragmentation that generates inefficiencies, the potential and limits of sustainability initiatives, and the complex relationship between design and construction. Through this dialogue, the contours of a professional figure emerge who — beyond the label of executor — plays a strategic and cultural role, decisively influencing safety, efficiency, and sustainability within the sector.