Public conversation

Ever find yourself browsing through your photo gallery and reliving old memories? Today, we are feeling a bit nostalgic and are doing the same with our projects.

What an adventure it was to create the Italian Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020!

We embarked on this journey with the ...concept of introducing reconfigurable and circular architecture to temporary exhibition spaces.

The pavilion's multimedia façade, constructed from two million recycled plastic bottles, incorporates innovative building materials such as algae, coffee grounds, and orange peels. The roof, crafted from three boat hulls, symbolizes historical connections between the Italian and Arabian peninsulas.

Additionally, the pavilion features a curtain façade made of recycled nautical ropes, providing natural ventilation and shading to promote sustainable cooling.

The Italian Pavilion at @expo2020dubai was designed by @crassociati and @italorotastudio with @matteogattoeassociati and @fm_ingegneria

@italyexpo2020 @lavazzaofficial #beautyconnectspeople
Photo credits: @michelenastasiphotography

𝗢𝗵, 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱!

We are incredibly proud of this project and would like to reiterate what sets The Greenary apart as an innovative residence and a benchmark for our design ...philosophy.

The transformation of this traditional farmhouse revolves around a ten-meter-tall tree, appealing to biophilia, the inherent fondness we humans have for nature.

Situated amidst the lush green countryside near Parma, the house not only serves as a residence for a family but also accommodates various animals, such as donkeys, a piglet, dogs, and pond frogs.

The house is distinguished by a 60-year-old ficus tree named Alma, which plays a central role in the design. The project optimizes natural light and incorporates advanced climate control technology, all in harmony with Alma.

This groundbreaking residence exemplifies CRA’s vision of a new approach to design that merges the natural and the artificial.

@crassociati #CarloRatti #biophilicarchitecture #green #greenary #architecture

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿

Summer’s here, and so are the heat waves. Did you know trees and green spaces improve air quality and cool our cities? Green roofs, vertical gardens, and parks boost biodiversity and sustainability.

At ...CRA, we champion natural materials and eco-friendly construction to cut buildings’ carbon footprints.

Nature in cities is essential to combat global warming, enhance quality of life, and build resilient, healthy urban spaces.

Meanwhile, here at CRA, we enjoy the coolness under the shade of our tree.

@crassociati #CarloRattio #office #spaziinnovativi #workingspace #coworking #teamwork #cralife #summer #hot #cities #garden

Our design for Jian Mu Tower has been awarded in the Green Architecture category at the DNA PARIS DESIGN AWARDS 2024!

Our vision for this office building in Shenzhen, China, features 10,000 square meters of vertical hydroponic farms on its façade, designed to cultivate crops. The ...218-meter skyscraper will integrate natural and artificial elements, allowing tenants to grow, purchase, and consume fresh produce within the building, fulfilling the needs of about 40,000 people annually.

Jian Mu Tower will house offices, a supermarket, and a food court, aiming to establish an autonomous food supply chain. Additionally, the building will include landscape terraces and inner gardens, promoting biodiversity, enhancing relaxation, and reducing reliance on air conditioning through effective solar shading.

This project exemplifies our commitment to addressing climate change through design, integrating advanced technology to harmonize urban living with the natural world.

📸: Jian Mu Tower, 2021 - @crassociati #CarloRatti #verticalfarm #naturalartificial
@dna_paris

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗥𝗔 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺! /𝟰

Back to our "MEET THE TEAM", this week we talked with Nicolette, a senior architect at CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati.

CRA's architecture and innovation team collaborates with private and public ...stakeholders to develop innovative architectural and engineering solutions with a positive environmental and social impact.

Nicolette is a senior architect who began her professional journey in 2016 in Rotterdam. Her early work focused on three key design themes: addressing housing density issues, transforming historic buildings, and regenerating urban areas.

In 2022, Nicolette joined Carlo Ratti Associati (CRA). Reflecting on her time at CRA, she states, "I really resonate with the studio's values - innovation, sustainability, and the transformative power of design to enhance urban living - and I believe they guide our approach to every project."

Currently, Nicolette is working on the Mondadori Office Playground project in Milan, Italy, which proposes a radical renovation of modern furniture, aiming to create a fully reconfigurable work environment. She explains: "This project embodies a vision of architecture that I believe in. Our approach is rooted in a deep respect for the building's historical legacy, yet we've been able to imbue it with natural and cutting-edge solutions."

@crassociati @nicolettemarzovilla
#CarloRatti #office #spaziinnovativi #workingspace #coworking #teamwork #cralife

𝗔 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀

CRA is transforming an old hospital complex in Modena, Italy, into a major cultural and innovation hub named AGO Modena Fabbriche Culturali, featuring a triangular ...plaza with a movable, origami-like roof.

The 20,000 square-meter project blends architectural conservation with kinetic architecture to create dynamic, flexible spaces, including a kinetic roof in one courtyard that adapts to various conditions and functions.

The project, situated at the entrance to Modena’s medieval city center, aims to restore and adapt the historic site dynamically, keeping parts of the restoration unfinished to allow for future transformations.

@crassociati @italorota @agomodenafacultura #ago #modena #nasa #origami #cra #carloratti #chuckhoberman #architecture #design #future

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱

CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, along with Italo Rota and Maestro Technologies, transforms Palazzo Mondadori in Milan, maintaining Oscar Niemeyer's iconic design while introducing innovative ...workplace strategies.

The renovation for leading Italian publisher Mondadori, in collaboration with Generali Real Estate, covers over 20,000 square meters, with plans for a wider renovation of Niemeyer's European landmark. The project reimagines modern furniture by refurbishing over 1300 units of original modular furnishings, integrating wood and creating reconfigurable modules that incorporate natural elements.

The redesign includes desks that promote informal encounters, transparent meeting rooms for continuity, and a layout that maximizes natural light, enhancing the connection with the surrounding park. The intervention aims to rejuvenate the cutting-edge office spaces of the 1970s with modern innovation, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

📷 @dsl__studio @delfino_sl @melaniadallegrave

@crassociati #CarloRatti #workspaces #office #greenworkplace #plantlife #workspacedesign #biophilia #ecobuilding #carlorattiassociati #design #GeneraliRealRstate @gruppomondadori @italorotastudio

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗥𝗔 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺! /𝟯

This week, we talked with Camilla Nicolini, Strategy & Innovation Associate at CRA.

The Strategy & Innovation team collaborates with private and public stakeholders to develop innovative architectural and ...engineering solutions with a positive environmental and social impact.

Camilla is a licensed architect who began her studies at Università di Roma Tre in Rome and continued at Politecnico di Torino in Turin, where she earned a master's degree in Architecture for Sustainability. For her master’s thesis, she explored strategies for revitalizing the Val Formazza area, a project that earned her the Uncem Prize.

In her role at CRA, she says: “Contributing to the projects 'Wood You Believe?' and 'The Wood Without the Tree,' has profoundly shaped my understanding and passion for sustainable design, while allowing me to engage deeply with the firm's values of sustainability and innovation."

The two projects were showcased during Milan Design Week in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Camilla continues: "'The Wood You Believe?' installation highlighted the beauty and potential of circularity, showcasing how high-quality timber panels can be produced entirely from recycled wood. 'The Wood Without the Tree' took this further by using digital fabrication techniques, demonstrating the potential of technology to revolutionize the construction industry by optimizing material use and the fabrication process. It's really meaningful to work on projects that align with my values, and it's special to see them materialize."

@crassociati @_caminico_
#CarloRatti #office #spaziinnovativi #workingspace #coworking #teamwork #cralife

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

The Patapsco River is now clear of debris, and traffic is set to resume on June 10 in Baltimore. This follows the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge after a collision with a container ship in ...March.

Currently, the Maryland Transportation Authority is looking for design-and-build teams to reconstruct the bridge. We’re stepping in by submitting our unsolicited proposal for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Our vision is to create structures that harmonize with nature and utilize cutting-edge technology to prevent future accidents. Partnering with Webuild and engineer Michel Virlogeux, our cable-stayed design aims to enhance safety and accommodate high traffic demands.

@crassociati #CarloRatti @webuildgroup #MichelVirlogeux #design #baltimorebridge #bridge #construction #usa

📸 @brickvisual

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Forbes interviewed Carlo on the theme of the #BiennaleArchitettura2025, #IntelliGens.

“A challenge that can only be addressed collaboratively, with a plurality of approaches. Around ...the world, cities and territories are rapidly evolving in response to climate change. Forced to address urgent problems - rising sea levels, urban heat islands, extreme weather events, protection of the most vulnerable populations - local communities around the world are now at the forefront of innovation processes in the built environment.”

The Biennale Architettura 2025 will encourage collaborations among various professionals to advance scientific knowledge, and it is this interdisciplinary approach that forms the basis of Intelligens.

@labiennale @forbesitalia #EnzoArgante #BiennaleArchitettura2025 #IntelliGens #CarloRatti #LaBiennaleDiVenezia #BiennaleArchitettura

Researchers from DUSP’s Senseable City Lab and the Sustainable Urbanization Lab met to collaborate at Tsinghua Univerisity! From left to right:
Yan Yao (SCL), Yinjing Huang (SCL), Pei Zhao (SCL), Fábio Duarte (SCL/SUL), Lei Dong (SCL/SUL), Jinghao Wang (SUL), and Fan Zhang (SCL).

...We just love a mini reunion 🤝

#senseablecitylab #sustainableurbanization #mit #mitdusp #dusp #tsinghuauniversity #urbanstudies #urbanplanning #futurecities #urban #urbandata #bigdata #futurecities

𝗕𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲

For the first time, practitioners, scientists, scholars, activists, architects and non-architects are encouraged to submit their ideas for the #BiennaleArchitettura2025 #IntelliGens (deadline: 21 June 2024).

... “Every proposal, no matter how audacious, is worthy of consideration in the face of today’s defining challenges”, says Carlo. That’s why every one of them will be evaluated by the Curator for possible inclusion in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – @labiennale (#Venice, 10 May > 23 November 2025) or the broader curatorial program.

Read more → www.labiennale.org - LINK IN BIO

#BiennaleArchitettura2025 #IntelliGens #CarloRatti #LaBiennaleDiVenezia #BiennaleArchitettura

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗

Imagine your university as a place that nurtures creativity, unexpected encounters, and pioneering ideas. In order to achieve new utopias, we must construct utopian spaces. The development of the new ...University of Milan campus in the Mind district, designed by CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, is progressing following additional funding from the European Bank and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (Cdp).

Spanning 190,000 square meters, the campus will accommodate 23,000 researchers and students. It will feature verdant courtyards, interconnected walkways, five brick buildings, a central square, and a lake. The project pays tribute to Renaissance architect Filarete's Ca' Granda, employing modern robotic construction techniques to produce intricate bas-relief facades.

Taking inspiration from Philarete's utopian ideals, the campus prioritizes physical proximity to facilitate scientific collaboration. Noteworthy features include the "Common Ground" network of pathways and abundant greenery, designed to foster interaction between academia and the surrounding innovation district.

@crassociati #CarloRatti #urban #futureofthecities #MIND #campus #università #university

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗥𝗔 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺! /𝟮

Our next guest is Gabriele Sacchi, an architect at CRA, with whom we discussed engaging architecture that fosters continuous research about the connection between the natural and artificial worlds.

Gabriele is a ...licensed architect who studied Architecture and Urban Design at Politecnico di Milano. He developed his master's thesis in Toronto, Canada, focusing on the integration of public environments with innovative mobility solutions.

At CRA, Gabriele recently contributed to the “Water Batteries” project, the renewable energy park we showcased a few weeks ago in Trieste, Italy. "Working on a project that revitalizes a former industrial and polluting area has been both challenging and fascinating. The facility will now be repurposed for a somewhat similar output, producing and storing energy, but in a clean and innovative manner.”

Gabriele concludes, "I appreciate this project's approach because it embodies CRA's goal: to create something innovative with new functionality, even from pre-existing structures. This allows us to rethink the public realm by connecting people, nature, and the built environment."

@crassociati @gabrielesacchi #CarloRatti #office #spaziinnovativi #workingspace #coworking #teamwork #cralife

𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹. ...

Roccia, a hospitality project in Monferrato, Italy, leverages digital technologies like LiDAR scanning for precise adaptive reuse.

This project revitalizes the ruins of a historical monastery-turned-farmhouse by integrating a digitally fabricated timber skin, preserving the structure's antiquity and its natural overgrowth. The design harmoniously blends the natural and artificial, suggesting innovative renovation methods for historical buildings.

The contemporary intervention includes prefabricated wooden elements within the old brick walls, forming a symbiotic relationship between the new and the ancient. Led by Maestro Technologies, Roccia embodies an approach that celebrates and enhances the site's historical decay.

@crassociati #carloratti #architecture #innovation #design #Monferrato #3Dscanner #UNESCO @italorotastudio

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 🌳

We’ve always envisioned the office as a place for exchanging ideas and meeting with colleagues we might not see every day otherwise!

More and more, we have found ourselves including our garden among ...our work spaces; whether it’s a quick coffee break, a casual meeting, or a moment of solitude to recharge or focus on a project.

Occasionally, we all come together, and we can assure you that the benefits, especially now that the weather is getting warmer, are quite noticeable!

@crassociati #CarloRatti #office #spaziinnovativi #workingspace #coworking #teamwork #cralife

𝗔 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 #𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘀: 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 ...𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – @labiennale

The concept driving the curation of the #BiennaleArchitettura2025 by Carlo Ratti is to use intelligence harmoniously, creatively, and synergistically to face the challenges of the world we live in practically.

A participatory #BiennaleArchitettura, open to ideas and requiring the contribution of everyone. For this reason, a Space for Ideas has been opened to ensure that projects can become pieces in this great interactive mosaic of evolving intelligence. You have until June 21st - discover the link in bio!

The method will include Transdisciplinarity (collaborative projects between multiple professionals); Living Lab (leveraging Venice as a lab merging interacting forms of intelligence); the aforementioned Space for Ideas; and Circularity Protocol because we don't want to waste a single screw and we aim to make it a 100% circular Biennale Architettura.

#BiennaleArchitettura2025 #IntelliGens #CarloRatti #LaBiennaleDiVenezia #BiennaleArchitettura

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 @labiennale 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗲𝘄 ...𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀

As the Central Pavilion at the Giardini will be under renovation in 2025, the #BiennaleArchitettura2025 #IntelliGens will flood into the city of Venice itself! In an interview for Artribune, Carlo discusses his previous experience in curating large events like the Shenzhen Biennial or the Urban Vision for Manifesta 14, in Prishtina explaining how “large events that manage to interface in a positive way with the city are catalysts for otherwise unthinkable changes.”

In Venice, Carlo wants to go further: “We don’t want to lose a single screw - that is, we are planning the first fully circular Biennale Architettura 2025, with everything reused or recycled, as well as made from recovered material wherever possible. This is now a crucial theme for all events, and we think the upcoming #BiennaleArchitettura can really take a leap.”

Head to stories to read the full article (Italian only).

And in BIO, you can find the link to the Space for Ideas: we need to embrace a collaborative approach to design. That’s why a public venue for the submission of ideas is now open on the website of #LaBiennaleDiVenezia, fostering an expansive heterogeneity of voices, visions, and suggestions.

#BiennaleArchitettura2025 #IntelliGens #CarloRatti #LaBiennaleDiVenezia #BiennaleArchitettura @artribune
📷 @ave_zz

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗗𝗮𝘆? 𝗚𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺, 𝗼𝗳 ...𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲!

We’ve just received a beautiful gift from our friends at the Vitra Design Museum - a book of their latest exhibition, featuring our Hot Heart project!

Hot Heart is part of the final section of the exhibition, Transform! Designing the Future of Energy, dedicated to the theme of »Future Energyscapes« and what they look like, including new types of energy storage.

Hot Heart is a network of islands that combines thermal energy storage with recreational purposes. It is the winner of the #HelsinkiEnergyChallenge, which aims to decarbonize the Finnish city's heating system by 2030.

The exhibition sheds light on how the energy industry is changing from a design standpoint, from commonplace renewable energy goods to solar-powered homes and wind farms, and from intelligent transportation systems to imaginative ideas of self-sufficient cities of the future.

Transform! Designing the Future of Energy runs at the Vitra Design Museum until September 1, 2024.

@crassociati #CarloRatti @vitradesignmuseum #Green #Transition #Collaboration #opportunities #HotHeart #climatechange #architecture #design #future #InternationalMuseumDay

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

In the past, cities were islands of architecture within a green sea, but now the opposite is the case. Cities are sprawling further as... their populations grow, leaving inhabitants isolated from the natural world. Today, attempts are being made to spread green elements throughout our cities. But CRA takes it further: making greenery accessible to everyone.

This idea has been proposed in Singapore, with the 280-meter CapitaSpring tower, designed together with BIG, which houses a tropical forest suspended in the air, accessible to anyone who wants to visit.

Working to create accessible and affordable natural spaces is essential to creating more livable and sustainable cities.

Designed by @crassociati and @big_builds for @capitaland Development (CLD) and CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

#carloratti #design #architecture #naturalear artificial #green architecture #sustainability #architecturedaily #amazingarchitecture

“At a time of crisis, we need to embrace a collaborative approach to design” tells Carlo in a recent interview for La Repubblica.

As a curator, Carlo wants to put together an exhibition that highlights innovation in thought and diversity of opinion.

Read and discover the ...Curator first statement in BIO. And follow us to be updated!

#BiennaleArchitettura2025 #IntelliGens #CarloRatti #LaBiennaleDiVenezia #BiennaleArchitettura @labiennale
📷 @ave_zz