Alberi Festival Lab: three days of exhibitions, workshops, and meetings to reimagine the green city of Modena.

From 17 to 19 April 2026, the Modena Ovest Artisan Village will host the first edition of Trees Festival Lab, an innovative event that aims to explore the relationship between nature and urban space, focusing on the importance of trees in modern cities. The initiative will unfold over three days of exhibitions, workshops, and meetings, engaging citizens, scholars, artists, and designers in a constructive and immersive discussion on how trees can transform urban environments and improve the quality of life.

The heart of the festival: a discussion of green city models

The idea behind Trees Festival Lab It contrasts with current urban development models, which often marginalize nature, conceiving it as an accessory element in contexts dominated by traffic and construction. The festival, in fact, aims to bring nature closer to everyday life and restore trees to a central role in urban planning. The event was inspired by the drawings of The architecture of trees, the work of the famous architects Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi, and will take place in the very place where Leonardi lived and worked, the Artisan Village, an area that today houses the Leonardi Archive and other creative spaces.

Festival spaces and activities: exhibitions, workshops and discussions

The festival will be held in three main pavilions: the Archivio Leonardi, Officina Botanica, and Progetto Artigiano. Each of these spaces will host exhibitions, installations, and workshops exploring different aspects of the relationship between trees and cities. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on themes such as: “Knowing how to see trees”, “The City of Trees”, “Designing with trees” e “The Metamorphoses of Trees”In addition to the theoretical portion, which will see experts discuss the potential of trees as a structuring element of urban spaces, the festival will also offer practical experiences, such as the creation of tree-themed fanzines and a cooking and cocktail workshop using tree-based ingredients, scheduled for April 16th.

Workshops and activities for all ages

During the three days, the program includes activities for all ages. Children will be able to learn to identify the neighborhood trees through the workshop. “Leaflet”, while adults can experiment with artistic techniques such as anthotype, photographic printing with plants, or participate in discussions on the role of trees in the urban context. On Saturday, April 18th, a botanical walk in the Botanical Garden and Ducal Park will offer participants the opportunity to explore urban greenery from a new perspective, while in the evening, the "Tree Dinner" will become a convivial moment of reflection and socialization, enriched by the experiences shared throughout the day.

Participation and inclusiveness: the city as a living organism

A distinctive aspect of Trees Festival Lab It's about active public participation. The organizers invite citizens to contribute to the Officina Botanica setup by bringing a potted plant or tree, a symbolic gesture that transforms the festival into a living, collectively constructed organism. Each plant will be accompanied by the name of the species and the name of the donor, creating a tangible connection between participants and the event location.

A festival tailored for a sustainable city

The festival not only reflects on the role of trees in cities, but also promotes sustainable behavior and the intelligent use of urban spaces. Visitors are encouraged to reach the Artisan Village on foot, by bicycle, or by public transportation, helping to reduce the event's environmental impact. Additionally, a refreshment stand will be set up in the Progetto Artigiano pedestrian plaza, where participants can enjoy food and drinks in an environment designed to encourage discussion and social interaction.

A wide cultural offering: exhibitions, art and design

In parallel with the practical and theoretical activities, the festival will offer a wide-ranging cultural program. Officina Botanica will become an immersive space hosting photographic works, sculptures, video installations, drawings, and projects inspired by the architecture of trees, while the Archivio Leonardi will exhibit projects, prototypes, and materials that have shaped the history of landscape culture. The exhibition of historical photographs of the city's parks and trees will offer food for thought on the relationship between nature and urbanization.

A free event open to all

All the festival events are free to enter, with the possibility of booking the workshops through the official web siteAccess to the pavilions will be guaranteed to all people, with particular attention to the usability of the spaces for families and visitors with specific needs.