Architecture Competition Mega Dunes Eco Lodges 1st prize winners – Giuseppe Ricupero, Egidio Cutillo, Stefania Schirò and Enrico Capanni

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st prize winners of our “Mega Dunes Eco Lodges - Abu Dhabi” competition – Giuseppe Ricupero, Egidio Cutillo, Stefania Schirò and Enrico Capanni from Italy!

Egidio Cutillo, Giuseppe Ricupero

Stefania Schirò and Enrico Capanni 

Egidio Cutillo (1993) is a PhD student in Architecture at the University of Trieste. In 2018, he graduated in architecture studies from the Università Iuav di Venezia where he actually works as teaching assistant and as a member of “Vesper. Journal of Architecture, Arts & Theory” editorial staff. His PhD research embraces the architectural theory, focusing on the relationship between architecture and ecology. It deals with architecture consumption and aims to rediscuss the idea of permanence from the design process to the building life cycle.

Giuseppe Ricupero (1990) is an architect, exhibition designer and researcher. In 2019, he graduated in architecture studies from Università Iuav di Venezia where he actually works as teaching assistant. He works on projects of different scales, from domestic to landscape. His research is focused on the notion of “heritage” in architecture and its cultural, environmental and social implication. Starting from the monuments and their antagonists, his research aims to observe them no longer as objects, but as spaces and intentions that determine the ecosystems where we are immersed, able to decolonize and recolonize our environment.

Stefania Schirò (1995) is a graduate in architecture studies from the University of Florence and in 2018-2019 she studied at ENSA Paris La Villette. Among her latest work experiences there is a one-year internship at Philippe Rahm architectes in Paris. In her master’s degree thesis, she actually worked on the Seine’s islands as an ever-changing archipelago, able to produce new urban and non-urban micro-cosmos.

Enrico Capanni (1995) is an architecture student at the University of Florence. In his work, he researches architecture composed of pure shapes and simple spaces, but nevertheless of strong impact. Light and materials is what he loves to design and study in his projects and images. From the beginning of 2020, he has started a collaboration with the architect Pietro Franceschini and works with him to visualise his first furniture collection and some interior design projects.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/individuals have been involved?

Egidio Cutillo works between design and theory and his activity includes researchs, projects, symposia, curatorship and publishing. He collaborated in the design and curatorial team of architect. Sara Marini for the 2020 Italian Pavilion proposal, 17th International Architecture Exhibition “How Will We Live Together”, Venice Biennale. He has exhibited a project on the Pyeonghwa Market in Seoul at “2017 Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism”. He has edited the books "Macchine sceniche. La dimensione teatrale dell’architettura e alcune mise-en-scène" (Nicomp L.E., 2019) and "Cartografie dell’oscurità. Architetture e psicogeografie veneziane" (Nicomp L.E., 2018) together with Sara Marini.

Giuseppe Ricupero is actually working between design and theory, taking part in various interdisciplinary projects with the aim to integrate architecture and visual and performative arts. Since 2016, he has collaborated with the artist Giorgio Andreotta Calò for whom he designed the installation "untitled (the end of the world)" for the 2017 Italian Pavilion, 57th International Art Exhibition, Venice Biennale. For the same artist, he is editing the book "Gloria" (Humboldt Books, in press). He has also started a collaboration with the artist Nuvola Ravera, curating her latest works in different Italian institutions, including Soapopera (Ex Lanificio Made in cloister Foundation, Naples; Museo G. Fattori, Livorno).

Stefania Schirò collaborated with the design team of Philippe Rahm architectes on the winning project "Agenti Climatici" in the Farini Competition, Milan; with the same practice, she collaborated in the design exhibition “A Climate-based Urbanism: the example of Central Park, Taichung Taiwan” at Biennale d’architecture et de paysage 2019, Versailles. She won the competition Projet scénographie 2019 – La Colline Théâtre National, Paris, exhibiting the project at the same theatre and at Prague Quadriennial 2019.

Enrico Capanni works alongside his studies. In 2020 he started a collaboration with architect. Pietro Franceschini with whom he is developing several theoretical and physical interior projects. He collaborated with Leandro Martinelli between 2016 and 2019 in many private housing projects. In the summer of 2019, he collaborated with Martinelli Luce SPA to visualise their first catalogue. He has participated in many architecture competitions, among them: May 2020 “Young Architects Competition – Hill of the Arts” with Pietro Franceschini (Gold Mention); June 2019 “Reuse Italy – Reuse the Castle competition” (Honourable Mention); June 2019 “Rethinking Competition – Niagara Falls Pavilion” (Gold Mention).

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

As many narrations of contemporary ecological thought point out, our planet can be interpreted as an ancestral and hyper-technological place simultaneously. In this regard, we think that architecture can be a tool for coexisting and that it can redefine its purpose if designed for temporary placemaking that involves logic and forces of nature in the building life cycle; essentially, designing erasable artefacts. The role of the architect overturns its aims: designing becomes an act of generosity and the trigger of a consumption process which cyclically defines spaces.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Because they allow us put theoretical visions into practice and push the boundaries of architecture. Moreover, a competition is always a way to learn more and more about yourself and your way to design.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture vision competitions?

Don’t think of it anymore and get in the game.