Mario Cucinella was born in Palermo in 1960. After graduating in architecture from the University of Genoa in 1986, he began his career collaborating with Renzo Piano in Genoa and Paris — an experience that profoundly shaped his design approach. In 1992, he founded his first studio in Paris, later moving it to Bologna in 1999, where it became Mario Cucinella Architects (MCA).
From the very beginning, Cucinella stood out for his vision that integrates architecture and sustainability, placing environmental quality and human well-being at the core. His work is strongly influenced by the principles of bioclimatic design, with particular attention to climate, context, and reducing energy impact. This vision has established him as one of the leading advocates for sustainable architecture both in Italy and internationally.
Among the most iconic projects signed by Cucinella and his studio are the Center for Renewable Energy in Ningbo, China; the ARPA headquarters in Ferrara; the new campus of Roma Tre University; the Museum of the Resistance in Bologna; and the new Eni headquarters in Milan. Each project is conceived as a living organism, designed to interact harmoniously with its natural and social context.
In 2015, Cucinella founded SOS - School of Sustainability, a postgraduate academy dedicated to training architects and designers on sustainability and environmental innovation. This initiative demonstrates his commitment not only as a designer but also as an educator and cultural promoter.
Today, Mario Cucinella Architects is headquartered in Bologna, with an additional office in Milan. The firm has an international team working on projects across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The studio is recognized for its multidisciplinary and inclusive approach, where architecture, design, engineering, and research come together to create innovative and responsible spaces.
Throughout his career, Cucinella has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Italian Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Architecture and the title of Honorary Fellow from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Today, Mario Cucinella is considered a leading figure in contemporary sustainable architecture — a symbol of a design philosophy that unites technology, poetry, and deep care for people and the environment.
