Mario Cucinella is an internationally renowned architect and a leading advocate for sustainable design. He graduated in Architecture from the University of Genoa in 1986 and founded Mario Cucinella Architects in 1992, now based in Bologna and Milan. In 2015, he established SOS – School of Sustainability, a postgraduate program focused on sustainable architecture. His work, blending environmental innovation with social responsibility, has earned him honours, including Fellowships from the Royal Institute of British Architects (2016) and the American Institute of Architects (2017). He curated the Italian Pavilion at the 2018 Venice Biennale, presenting the theme of ‘Arcipelago Italia’. He is the chief architect of the Italy Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, imagining Italy’s vision of the future through architecture. He is also the author of many publications related to architecture and sustainability.

❝Curiosity is the beginning of every meaningful design. It drives us to explore new materials, forms, and sustainable solutions. For me, it’s not just about creating buildings, it’s about imagining better ways to live. Curiosity fuels innovation, challenges norms, and inspires architecture that responds to both people and the planet.❞ — Mario Cucinella on "Curiosity"

Portrait©Giovanni De Sandre