The consistently fruitful collaboration between XLeisure-ForumPiscine, Outex-Outdoor Experience, and AIAPP—the Italian Association of Landscape Architecture, which has been promoting the culture of garden and landscape design for over 75 years—has been confirmed for 2027 as well. Today, AIAPP brings together approximately 650 members, including professionals, scholars, and students committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the landscape.

Founded in 1950, the association—a member of IFLA (International Federation of Landscape Architects) and IFLA Europe—is a nonprofit organization that promotes design, research, education, and scientific and cultural activities aimed at providing information and professional development. In line with these objectives, the AIAPP Special Recognition Award will once again be presented in 2027 as part of the Italian Pool Award, a prestigious accolade dedicated to excellence in the swimming pool sector in Italy. The award will be given to the project that best creates a dialogue between water and landscape, highlighting the harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment (pictured: the 2026 winner).

Following the success of “Save Water” during the last edition, the collaboration with AIAPP will once again take the form of a new experiential installation, entrusted on this occasion to landscape architect Simone Ottonello. With a master’s degree in Landscape Design and Conservation from the Politecnico di Milano, Ottonello founded the firm S.O.A.P., which specializes in the design (planning and restoration) of public and private outdoor spaces. An AIAPP member, Ottonello has, over his 25 years of experience, overseen projects published in Italy’s leading industry magazines.

As in past editions, the installation will be accompanied by a conference, and participants will be awarded continuing education credits for architects and landscape architects.