The Commission of the European Communities has recently funded a research project
for the benefit of Associations of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME-AGs), aimed at developing
innovative systems for masonry enclosures. More in general, the project deals with external partition
systems for reinforced concrete framed buildings, such as infill walls and envelopes, and with internal
partitions. The project involves sixteen partners from seven European countries, among which there
are seven universities and research centres, five industrial associations, and four small and medium
enterprises. In the present contribution, an overview of the main objectives and steps of the project is
given. A general summary of the various construction systems that are being developed and designed
is given. The future developments in terms of experimental programs, numerical analyses, and final
expected outcomes of the project are described