Museum of Emotions #4 Honorable mention winners - Lorenzo Pio Paladino and Maria Lucia D'alessio

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our Museum of Emotions #4 competition – Lorenzo Pio Paladino and Maria Lucia D'alessio from United Kingdom!

Lorenzo Pio Paladino and Maria Lucia D'alessio

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

We both studied in Italy, graduating cum laude from the University of Pescara. Additionally, Lucia was awarded the Erasmus Mundus scholarship at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture in Lyon, where she completed her final year project. Both of our theses were published and received awards. After two years working for an award-winning Italian practice specialized in designing museums and cultural buildings, we moved to the UK, where we have been working in separate practices while collaborating on our own 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?

Our collaboration began with the design of two apartments commissioned by twin sisters who wished to convert their ancestral family home into two smaller flats, one on the ground floor and the other on the first. Casa Livia was awarded 'Best Project 2020' by Archilovers, and both projects were published in national and international architectural magazines. Following this success, we have worked on two restaurant schemes, an office, and participated in various competitions.

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

Architecture has the power to shape people's feelings and behaviors, as well as our perception of reality. It is the added value to the built world, and through beautiful, unique, and thoughtful design, it can foster a sense of identity, belonging, and pride in local cultures.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Taking part in architecture competitions is a way for us to break the routine of our day-to-day jobs. It allows us to push design boundaries and take concept ideas that stem from our unique approach to briefs and architectural visions to the extreme.

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

If you love architecture, I don't see why you wouldn't want to participate in architecture competitions. They offer fantastic learning experiences, and regardless of the outcome, being able to submit a proposal is a very rewarding process, both personally and professionally.