Exploring duality: Marco Piva’s vision of integrated architecture
From master planning to product design, Marco Piva’s work bridges the technical and the emotional, embracing global diversity and a sustainable future while reimagining urban spaces and architectural aesthetics.
In this new episode of Behind, our series that delves into the workspaces and philosophies of design and architecture studios, we step into the world of Marco Piva. Based in Milan, Piva’s studio represents a multidisciplinary approach to architecture and design, encompassing projects that range from urban master plans to interiors and product design.
Piva begins by describing the foundation of his philosophy. “From the very beginning of my career, I’ve sought to develop projects on different scales,” he explains. This breadth of focus is unified by a guiding principle: balancing technical precision with emotional resonance. To illustrate this, Piva draws upon Raphael’s The School of Athens, a fresco that portrays figures from the scientific and humanistic worlds. “It symbolizes the two components of our work,” he says, “the technological, mathematical, and geometric on one side, and the emotional, social, and cultural on the other.” For Piva, the integration of these elements is essential to meaningful design.
Our conversation explores the global reach of Piva’s studio, which has established presences in China and Dubai in addition to Milan. This international outlook allows the studio to adapt designs to local contexts while aiming for universal appeal. Piva stresses the importance of creating something distinct and beautiful in every project, noting that beauty is a universal concept. “Across all cultures, beauty moves us, attracts us, and inspires us,” he reflects.
A significant aspect of Piva’s work is master planning, which he describes as envisioning a territory where diverse elements converge to shape society. Each plan responds to the unique characteristics of its setting—projects in China differ markedly from those in Europe or Africa. “The key is identifying the ‘hotspots’ of a territory,” Piva explains. “Why should it be transformed? What are the real needs driving change?”
This methodical approach ensures that development remains coherent and sustainable. Piva highlights the importance of integrating data to make master plans actionable and effective upon implementation. “Territories must be designed carefully,” he asserts, “not left to chance or fragmented interventions.”
Our discussion turns to urban regeneration, a theme central to Piva’s philosophy. Regeneration, he explains, is about giving new life and meaning to spaces, transforming them into valuable, harmonious environments. It’s not just about improving efficiency or aesthetics—it’s about creating places that enrich the lives of their users.
One particularly innovative approach in Piva’s studio involves sustainable construction techniques for urban regeneration. When buildings are too deteriorated to be preserved, his team employs demolition methods that recycle materials for new construction. “This reduces waste and eliminates the need to transport debris to landfills,” Piva explains. “It’s a fascinating and sustainable approach.”
Throughout the interview, Piva’s passion for thoughtful, transformative design is evident. Whether developing master plans, regenerating urban spaces, or designing products, his work is guided by a commitment to uniting science with emotion. As he sums up, “Design is about creating spaces that inspire, sustain, and connect.”
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