Barbara Picutti Creative Contest
Archives are a repository of stories:
the “Barbara Picutti Creative Contest” is the right time to tell them!
The theme for 2025 is:
ROUTE TALES
After the success of the first edition, our creative format “Barbara Picutti Creative Contest” is back for 2025! Born thanks to the inspiration of our colleague Barbara Picutti,“engineer and humanist” - as she liked to call herself-, who passed away prematurely in 2023.
The challenge, also for this year’s edition, was reserved for MAIRE Group colleagues: browse inside our digital vault, the Group's historical digital Archive, and be inspired by a project, a photo, a document or a video to write a tale on the theme of “journey,” in all its meanings: journey of memory, journey as exploration, business trip and so on.
The extraordinary materials preserved in our Archives, covering a time span from 1897 to the present day, will be the signs, traces, notes, and witnesses through which the theme of travel will take on life and substance: places visited, destinations to reach, roads to travel, horizons to dream of, experiences to remember. The tales, true or fancy, will be the witnesses of the history of enterprise, of the eras and worlds traversed, of the extraordinary ability of the men and women who with skill and creativity wrote them down, giving us back a completely personal vision of places and reality.
The MAIRE Historical Archives chronicles a journey of more than a century. And this is just the beginning!
The result of this second edition was also extraordinary: 37 beautiful tales, - real and fantasy – have returned a personal and original look on eras, contexts, environments and people, contributing to narrate not only business stories, but also the creativity, competence and sensitivity of those who participated. An exciting and vibrant journey!
The award ceremony took place on 11 June 2025, with the entire jury from Milan in Teams connection with the 37 fellow writers from MAIRE offices and construction sites around the world, to award a winner and ten special mentions:
WINNER: Edoardo Disarò, with the tale “L’azoto”.
SPECIAL MENTIONS:
- Carlo Boniardi, with the tale “Un libro porta altrove” – special mention: culture category;
- Alessandro Calisse, with the tale “Eclissi ad Al Jubayl” – special mention: working worldwide category;
- Valter Carrolo, with the tale “Teams chat” – special mention: visions of the future category;
- Alberto Cavallo, with the tale “MAIRE su Marte” – special mention: technology evolution category;
- Michele Dabergami, with the tale “Accanto alla foto sul muro” – special mention: inclusion category;
- Fabio Ferrari, with the tale “Volontaria serendipidità”– special mention: back to our roots category;
- Valentina Grieco, with the tale “Tra corteccia e ippocampo” – special mention: cultural sensitivity category;
- Enes Kilinc, with the tale “To walk on an orange sunset” – special mention: sustainability category;
- Ivana Mennella, with the tale “Bella ‘mbriana” – special mention: MAIRE’s family category;
- Arun Balram Pandey, with the tale “Mountain & mankind” – special mention: brand heritage category.
Special thanks and congratulations to all colleagues who got involved by participating in this second edition of the contest!
For all the details on the rules, jury, authors and stories of this year, and to relive the events, click below in the various "+".
In the meantime, if you want to relive all the emotions of the 2024 edition ("TOOL TALES"), click here!
THE REGULATION
Colleagues who wish to participate in the competition must follow the following rules, under penalty of exclusion:
- The competition is reserved for employees of MAIRE Group Companies and retired colleagues. Applications from members of the contest jury, employees of MAIRE Group Companies continuously involved in the activities of the Fondazione MAIRE - ETS, employees of the Fondazione MAIRE, and members of its Board of Directors will not be accepted.
- Each tale may have a maximum length of 8,000 characters, including spaces.
- Each tale can be submitted in Italian or English.
- Each tale must relate to the theme of the 2025 edition, “ROUTE TALES”, focusing on the concept of travel, and be inspired, in any way or to any extent, by materials preserved in the Digital vault (Digital Historical Archive) of the Group.
- Each tale may focus on one or more materials from the Archive.
- Each tale must be submitted along with images and/or archival materials used as the subject of the story.
- Each tale must be previously unpublished. Any partial exceptions (e.g., quotes) must be declared and will be reviewed by the Fondazione MAIRE - ETS. The use of AI for the creation, drafting, or revision of the text is not permitted.
- Each tale may be structured in paragraphs.
- Footnotes are not allowed.
- Only narrative writing (true or fancy) will be accepted. Essays, manuals, historiographic texts, and other forms of writing are not allowed.
- Each participant may submit only one tale. However, participation in pairs or groups is allowed, with the submission of a single tale.
- Participants are fully responsible for the tale’s content, including intellectual property rights, usage rights, and compliance with applicable laws regarding confidential or sensitive information.
- Participants agree to fully transfer the copyright of the submitted tale to the Fondazione MAIRE - ETS.
TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND INFORMATIONS:
The tales, accompanied by images and/or archival materials referenced in the narrative, must be sent via e-mail, in Word and PDF format, to the attention of Francesca Rinaldo at the e-mail address francesca.rinaldo@fondazionemaire.com no later than March 14, 2025.
To browse the digital Vault (the historical digital Archive) of the Group and explore its materials, you must register for the Vault at this link: https://mairetecnimont.archivio.com/console/login. Registration is free of charge.
The tales will be evaluated by a specially appointed jury.
The most compelling tales will be awarded and subsequently highlighted through publication on the internal and external communication channels of the Fondazione MAIRE – ETS as well as the MAIRE Group, and may also be used by the Fondazione MAIRE for additional external activities (e.g., submitted as entries for contests outside the company).
The authors will be notified of every use of their stories.
For any clarification you can contact Francesca Rinaldo, at the e-mail address francesca.rinaldo@fondazionemaire.com.
Enjoy you writing!
THE JURY
The jury, chaired by President Fabrizio Di Amato, was composed of:
- Franco Ghiringhelli, MAIRE Group Human Resources, ICT, Organization & Procurement Senior Vice President
- Carlo Nicolais, MAIRE Group Institutional Relations, Communication & Sustainability Vice President
- Gianni Bardazzi, MAIRE Group Risk Management, Special Initiatives and Regions Coordination Senior Vice President
- Sergio Paggi, Tecnimont Technology Implementation and Engineering Advisor
- Simona Dolce, MAIRE Group Corporate Affairs, Governance, Ethics & Compliance Vice President
- Maria Selli, MAIRE Group HSE&SA and Project Quality Vice President
- Sathiamoorthy Gopalsamy, Tecnimont Engineering & Services Projects Vice President
- Antonio De Simone, Tecnimont Cost Control Engineer
- Lucrezia Del Gesso, NextChem KT- Kinetics Technology Proposal Engineer
AUTHORS, TALES AND JURY’S MOTIVATIONS
WINNER:
EDOARDO DISARò [NEXTCHEM Technology Process Junior Engineer, Italy], with the tale “L'azoto”
Motivation of the jury: With remarkable originality, this story takes us on a surprising journey through the cycle of life, seen from an unexpected yet captivating perspective: that of a nitrogen molecule. The author, with a masterful touch, writes with clarity, lightness, and a hint of irony, making the mysteries of chemistry both accessible and engaging. Every reaction becomes a moment of wonder and poetry. Each stage, each transformation, serves as a metaphor for life itself, offering a thoughtful and delicate view of its constant metamorphoses. This is a work that invites us to reflect, to smile, and above all, to see the phases of life as new milestones in an endless journey.
SPECIAL MENTIONS:
- CARLO BONIARDI [TECNIMONT Senior Project Engineer, Italy], with the tale “Un libro porta altrove” – special mention: culture category
Motivation of the jury: Written in a flawless, engaging style—fluid, rich with vivid dialogue and evocative description—the story moves gracefully between irony and poetry, maintaining an enjoyable rhythm throughout. It explores deep themes such as time, change, and the redemptive power of books, travel, and love. A clever and playful touch lies in the characters' names: Giacomo, Paolina, and Silvia subtly evoke the world of Leopardi, hinting at a refined literary game. But here, the “Leopardi”—a former employee of Persighetti&figli—finds the courage to move beyond his inner “hedge” and, together with Silvia, embark on the journey of life, offering the reader a romantic and hopeful ending.
- ALESSANDRO CALISSE [TECNIMONT Junior Process Engineer, Italy], with the tale “Eclissi ad Al Jubayl” – special mention: working worldwide category
Motivation of the jury: This story masterfully captures the professional and emotional experience of a work assignment in an unfamiliar country, skillfully weaving together memory, solitude, and discovery. The arrival in Saudi Arabia is portrayed with vivid realism, and encounters with local people offer an intimate glimpse into what it means to be welcomed in a foreign land. The narrative flows between present and past, with memories blending into desert landscapes, creating a poetic contrast between geographical and inner distances. The eclipse serves as a powerful metaphor for transformation and renewal, while a spontaneous dinner with colleagues highlights the beauty of human connection and reveals the true essence of the journey—not just a professional path, but a deep dive into the unknown that leads to self-discovery.
- VALTER CARROLO [TECNIMONT Planung Industrieanlagenbau (Tpi) Pressure Vessels & Heat Exchangers Engineer, Germany], with the tale “Teams chat” – special mention: visions of the future category
Motivation of the jury: This extraordinary story is a brilliant blend of science fiction, irony, playful banter, and deep reflections, capable of surprising and entertaining with its fast pace and sharp dialogues. The idea of a conversation between the past and the future through a chat is original and well-developed, while the witty remarks and time paradoxes add both depth and humor. The narrative weaves complex themes such as climate change and geopolitics with lightness and intelligence. The characters are vivid, and the tension builds up to the unexpected conclusion. Are we ready for this future?
- ALBERTO CAVALLO [Retired, Italy with the tale “MAIRE su Marte” – special mention: technology evolution category
Motivation of the jury: The story follows the protagonist’s journey to Mars, blending technical details with humor and cultural insight. The realistic portrayal of technology and bureaucracy adds authenticity, while vivid descriptions evoke a sense of wonder. The author captures the allure of space exploration, all while maintaining a critical and thoughtful tone. The ending—somewhere between dream and reality—adds depth and leaves the reader reflecting on humanity’s future.
- MICHELE DABERGAMI [TECNIMONT Construction HSE Training Coordinator, Italy], with the tale “Accanto alla foto sul muro”– special mention: inclusion category
Motivation of the jury: Inspired by a photograph from the archive—where, among many men, the presence of a single woman quietly stands out—the story leads us with striking intensity through one of life’s most profound moments: the birth of a daughter. The writing is precise and elegant, marked by a remarkable attention to detail, where every word feels intentional and charged with meaning. It gently weaves personal introspection with grounded storytelling, evoking deep emotion without ever losing clarity. Each scene becomes an emotional journey that resonates deeply, offering an intimate and universal view of life’s most meaningful path: the miracle of birth.
- FABIO FERRARI [NEXTCHEM Tech Circular Carbon and Integrated Solutions Head of Department, Italy], with the tale “Volontaria serendipità” – special mention: back to our roots category
Motivation of the jury: Blending reality with a novelistic touch, the passage vividly captures the pivotal moment of discovering polypropylene, weaving together a passion for research with the memory of a journey that sparked the initial insight. The tone is thoughtful and engaging, shifting between the quiet anticipation in the Polytechnic labs and the rising excitement of the final breakthrough. Technical details merge seamlessly with the human side of the characters, making the thrill of discovery tangible and showing how progress arises from brilliant ideas, dedicated study, experimentation—and sometimes unexpected, fortunate chance.
- VALENTINA GRIECO [MAIRE Group Social Sustainability Manager, Italy], with the tale “Tra corteccia e ippocampo” – special mention: cultural sensitivity category
Motivation of the jury: With an evocative, almost dreamlike style, the narrative takes the reader on both an inner and a geographical journey, where each description adds depth to a vivid, intricate mosaic. The author writes with lyrical prose rich in imagery, blending science and spirituality into a seamless, compelling flow. India is not just a setting but a soulscape—an emotional labyrinth filled with discovery, leaving a lasting impression. This is more than a travelogue; it’s a deeply personal meditation on identity and human connection. A piece of writing that enchants, touching the deepest chords of emotion.
- ENES KILINC [STAMICARBON Peq Buyer, The Netherlands], with the tale “To walk on an orange sunset”– special mention: sustainability category
Motivation of the jury: The theme of the journey runs through the entire story—starting with the title—guiding the reader along a path that is physical, emotional, and generational. The narrative flows smoothly, rich with deep reflection, tracing a family’s rise from hunger and the struggle to survive to prosperity and modern life. The author's emotional connection is clear in the vivid reconstruction of his ancestors’ lives, giving the story a powerful and intimate depth. The image of their descendants, heads held high at last, finally able to admire an orange sky at sunset, leaves the reader with a sense of hope and redemption.
- IVANA MENNELLA [TECNIMONT Proposal & Prequalifications Management Assistant, Italy], with the tale “Bella ‘mbriana” – special mention: MAIRE’s family category
Motivation of the jury: The story stands out for its fluid, evocative style, weaving together nostalgia and personal growth with quiet sensitivity. Leaving one’s homeland, moving to a new city, and entering a different work environment—welcoming like a second family—are brought to life through sensory details that make the memories feel vivid and real. The presence of the Bella 'Mbriana, subtle and constant throughout the narrative, adds a mythical layer that deepens the connection to the protagonist’s roots. What makes the piece truly original is its ability to turn everyday gestures into a deep emotional journey. It's a rich, atmospheric narrative that wraps around the reader like the gentle light of a guardian spirit watching over the home.
- ARUN BALRAM PANDEY [TECNIMONT Private Limited Layout & Piping Design & Drafting Engineer, India], with the tale “Mountain & mankind” – special mention: brand heritage category
Motivation of the jury: A symbolic tale where the three arches of the old Tecnimont logo come to life, transforming into distinct mountains engaged in a thrilling challenge. The narrative flows effortlessly, rich with vivid imagery and a style reminiscent of mythological storytelling, infused with meaningful values and a strong moral message. The mountains, personified with emotions and inner growth, convey a universal message. The touching and impactful ending celebrates the power of teamwork. Particularly effective is the metaphor linked to the evolution of the group’s logo: from three separate lines to the solid new emblem symbolizing unity and “teamwork that makes us all winners!”
Job titles are as of the date of participation in the contest, May 2025
PARTICIPANTS:
CHIARA ARDORE [TECNIMONT Digital Document Control Coordinator, Italy], with the tale “Binari”
MIRKO AVAKUMOVIĆ [NEXTCHEM Senior Contract Engineer, Italy], with the tale “Lo spazio di un attimo”
LUIGI CECCHERINI [TECNIMONT HSE and Project Quality Head of Department, Italy], with the tale “Il loop reactor”
SEBASTIAN COLLAVINI [TECNIMONT Site Resources Planning Coordinator, Italy], with the tale “Uroboro”
MARCO D’ARCANGELIS [KT Civil Project Leader, Italy], with the tale “La Cinquecentodiciannove di D’Annunzio”
MICHELE FORLANI [TECNIMONT Project Director, Italy], with the tale “Macchine nel tempo”
STEFANO FRAU [KT Planning Engineer, Italy], with the tale “Emozioni vissute presso il sito Montedison di Porto Marghera”
LEO GENTILINI [Retired, Italy], with the tale “Quarta dimensione (io e la giulia)”
ABHAY B. KULKARNI [Retired, India], with the tale “Memorabile viaggio della deputazione”
PAOLA LANCIA [KT Material Specialist Senior Engineer, Italy], with the tale “Il fascino dell’Oman”
FRANCESCA LUBELLI [TECNIMONT Product Conformity Coordinator, Italy], with the tale “Cercandoci”
PAOLA LUCIANI [KT Social Accuntability Analyst, Italy], with the tale “Il riflesso del sipario”
SHAHNAWAZ MAPARI [TECNIMONT Pressure Vessels & Heat Exchangers Engineer, India], with the tale “Talcher’s Legacy: A Journey of Determination and Success”
FEDERICA MESSINA [TECNIMONT Contract Junior Engineer, Italy], with the tale “Scosse di memoria”
ANNALISA MORETTI [MET DEVELOPMENT Project Development Junior Analyst, Italy], with the tale “Nel disordine dei ricordi, nell’ordine del cuore”
MICHELE PANTALEO [Retired, Italy], with the tale “Sopra e sotto l’Appennino”
SWAPNIL PATIL [TECNIMONT Project Engineer, India], with the tale “Travel Through Memories”
GABRIELE PASINI [TECNIMONT Project Procurement Coordinator, Italy], with the tale “Il filo invisibile”
ILARIA PERGOLA [KT Layout & Piping Materials & Work Quantities Estimating & Management Engineer, Italy], with the tale “Gdańsk (o il mio Papà)”
NILESH PRABHAKAR JOSHI [TECNIMONT Cost Control Engineer, India], with the tale “Love is a journey!”
ANITHA PREMAN [TECNIMONT Executive Assistant, UAE], with the tale “A Nostalgic Journey to the Past”
FRANCESCA RABINO [NEXTCHEM Strategic Research Engineer, Italy], with the tale “Le opzioni di Mario: prima, durante e dopo Mirafiori”
MAURIZIO RIGOLIO [MAIRE Group Environmental Sustainability Manager, Italy], with the tale “UFO? No, UFA”
LUCA SALA [KT Controller, Italy], with the tale “Amore distillato”
ROSHNI TANKHA SANKHE [TECNIMONT Cost Control Manager, India], with the tale “Mentorship Matters: A Journey of Growth and Success”
MADHURA VISHWANATH IYER [TECNIMONT Civil & Structural Underground Junior Engineer, India], with the tale “Symmetry is not for Fools”
To download the whole volume of ROUTE TALES click below:
LITERARY APERITIF
A single award was not enough to enhance the commitment of fellow writers and celebrate the beautiful tales received again this year, so after connecting Teams worldwide in the morning, we met again in the afternoon, in the hall of the MAIRE’s offices in Milan.
Reproductions of drawings from the Historical Archive on canvas, some of our publications, colorful poufs and many colleagues could listen, through the warm voice of Riccardo Mei, reading some of the stories of the ROUTE TALES’s volume. To accompany the reading, also the projection of some videos created specifically based on two exceptional tales awarded this year: "L’azoto" by Edoardo Disarò and "Teams chat" by Valter Carrolo.
To relive all the emotions of the literary aperitif, below the photo gallery and videos [coming soon!]!
ROUTE TALES - i singoli racconti
In this section you can read and download each story separately.
Enjoy reading!
DIGITAL ARCHIVE
This digital vault is an information technology platform where about 20,000 drawings, plans, documents from MAIRE's historical archive have been digitized; it enables efficient and quick consultation of materials by cross-referencing descriptive categories, metadata, vocabulary terms, chronological references and tags.
Register for free and explore the vault!
DONATE NOW!
Join us in supporting the Foundation's projects for historic-archival preservation.
