Young architects driving change

MF: I was aware of the growing number of emerging practices in architecture here in Switzerland, but I didn’t realise how many there were. It means the field is highly competitive. However, it’s also exciting. I’ve noticed this in the competitions I’ve participated in, where new names appear, bringing fresh ideas and contributing to an evolving architectural language. It reflects a dynamic environment, with influences coming from abroad and enriching the local scene.

One key reason for this growth over the past decade is the economy. Since around 2007, when many European countries faced a financial crisis, Switzerland maintained its economic independence and strength. Unlike in other countries, there wasn’t widespread unemployment or closures. The architectural sector remained active and grew alongside the country’s economic expansion. Another factor is Switzerland’s stable economy and strong currency, which attract both local and international talent. Many architects from abroad participate in Swiss competitions because, unlike in other countries, winning here often means the project will actually be built. For example, in Italy, it’s common to win a competition without the guarantee of seeing the building constructed. This reliability makes Swiss competitions appealing. Additionally, the relative cost of running a business in neighbouring countries allows architects to maintain a smaller presence in Switzerland while operating larger offices elsewhere. This setup enables them to stay connected to the Swiss market while benefiting from lower costs abroad. On the other hand, Swiss architects, thanks to the high quality of education and the rich architectural culture, are well-equipped to export their expertise globally. Many Swiss architects teach abroad or manage international projects, further enhancing the reputation of Swiss architecture.

This cross-pollination—offices from abroad entering Switzerland and Swiss architects expanding internationally—has created a more dynamic and complex architectural landscape, fostering rapid growth and change compared to previous years.

I’ve also observed a positive shift in how young architects approach both the natural and built environments. There’s a growing awareness of sustainability and the responsible use of land. While Switzerland has laws governing land use that are quite specific and valuable, there’s now a broader vision of sustainability—seeing the environment as something to care for, rather than simply as a resource to be used. Competitions increasingly incorporate sustainability criteria. These frameworks encourage us to think beyond the immediate function or appearance of a building. They push us to consider the building's life cycle, environmental impact, social contributions, and even the energy sources and materials used during construction. For instance, a common principle is minimising the transport of materials by utilising what’s available on-site, improving both efficiency and sustainability. Sustainability is far more complex than I’ve described, but it’s an urgent and fascinating area for the new generation of architects to explore.

Starting from the ground up

MF: I studied architecture at the University of Venice, and I loved being a student there—not just because of the university experience but also because I lived in a city that is truly unique in the world. Venice taught me the essence of what a city is and the importance of the relationship between people and their urban environment. During my studies, I was deeply interested in urbanism and graduated under Bernardo Secchi, a highly respected urban planner. This passion for urbanism led me to move to the Netherlands, a European hub for urban planning and architectural innovation.

I spent two years in the Netherlands, where I immersed myself in urban planning. The Dutch approach to designing and managing territory on a large scale is impressive, especially given their ongoing battle with nature. Their expertise in shaping the land is entirely different from what I encountered when I moved to Switzerland.

In Switzerland, the challenges are unique, shaped by its mountainous terrain and lakes. Here, architects are all-around professionals who dive deep into design, learning to adapt to the natural ground and solve complex problems in detail. In contrast to the Netherlands, where I worked in an office with four architects and sixteen drafters—meaning architects worked at larger scales, leaving details to others—Swiss architects stay deeply involved in every project phase, from concept to completion. The profession here is well-supported financially, allowing for thorough, detailed work, which I greatly appreciated. Even so, I’ve always tried to maintain an urban perspective in my designs.

When I first moved to Switzerland, I started from scratch. I spent years working in an office, gaining experience on large and varied projects—none of them repetitive. I was fortunate to work on a wide range of buildings, each presenting unique challenges. Eventually, I felt ready to take the next step and start my own practice. In 2019, I made significant changes in my life: I got married, moved house, and launched my own business—all within a year.

Just a few months after starting my practice, the pandemic struck, making it a challenging time to begin. I had to work from home, sharing space with my family and balancing personal and professional needs in a single environment. It was chaotic but also an experience that many others could relate to at the time.

One key milestone during this period was a collaboration with an experienced architect in Canton Ticino. He brought me into a competition, which helped me quickly expand my network, even during a time when face-to-face interaction was nearly impossible. This collaboration introduced me to public clients, such as the Canton of Ticino, and led to projects like exhibitions and public works. Step by step, I began securing private clients and entering competitions on my own, developing a balanced approach to public and private practice. This open-mindedness has been a key part of my growth.

Balancing complexities

MF: Over the years, I’ve learned two key lessons. The first relates to my method of working with clients. It’s essential to listen carefully, even when a client’s ideas conflict with my own. Often, these requests lead to unexpected and innovative solutions that I might not have considered otherwise. While compromises may not always align with my vision, they can reveal valuable insights. By understanding a client’s reasoning, I can reinterpret the challenges and collaborate to find shared solutions.

The second lesson involves managing multiple clients on the same project. Whether it’s a couple with differing opinions or a landlord and tenant with competing priorities, having more than one decision-maker can compromise the process. Early on, I learned the importance of identifying all stakeholders and understanding their roles. This clarity helps set expectations, allocate resources, and streamline communication, ultimately ensuring the project runs smoothly.

A milestone project for me was the Castel San Pietro competition we won in 2023. The brief was deliberately open-ended, allowing us to interpret the site and propose innovative solutions. This project required a multidisciplinary team—civil engineers, landscape architects, traffic engineers, and myself—all collaborating to address the various aspects of the design. The final building emerged as a product of these collective efforts, harmonising urban impact, sustainability, and functionality.

I thrive on solving complex design challenges. The more layers of information and constraints I must address, the more motivated I become. In Switzerland, where architectural competition standards are exceptionally high, it’s not just about designing a beautiful building. It’s about addressing broader considerations—urban planning, environmental impact, and social integration. Sustainability, in particular, is central to my work—not just in terms of materials but also the building’s long-term impact on its environment and community. For example, we consider where materials are sourced, minimise unnecessary excavation, and reduce energy consumption during construction. Sustainability also extends to societal impact—how the building attracts people for work, living, and interaction. It’s about designing a structure that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings and serves its community effectively.

A constant learning experience

MF: There’s always so much to learn in architecture. The more you know, the more you realise how much is still unknown. The world changes constantly, so yesterday's priorities might differ from those of tomorrow. Working with various professionals helps us view challenges from different perspectives and discover innovative solutions. A few years ago, sustainability might have meant just adding greenery to a roof. Today, it might involve integrating artificial intelligence to manage resources. We're in a transitional phase, and it's exciting to see and adapt to these rapid changes.

Between 2023 and 2024 we won a first prize and came in second for another competition. While we didn’t win the latter, it was still a great project, and I'm grateful for the team I worked with. It was an urban project in Lugano addressing multiple challenges—a square that serves as the final tram station, a new gateway to the city, a bus station, and a space for an open-air market. The solution was a simple yet effective design: a glass roof over a grid of trees. Once again, sustainability was a key focus. For instance, the roof included solar panels to generate electricity and a system to collect rainwater, which is stored underground and used to irrigate the trees. With increasing periods of drought, this is crucial. Additionally, planting trees improves air quality, provides shade, and sets an example for urban greening throughout the city. The roof’s wooden structure, sourced locally from Switzerland, further emphasised sustainability by minimising transportation-related emissions. Private four-wheel vehicle traffic is diverted elsewhere, and two-wheel vehicle traffic is handled in the basement so as not to interfere with pedestrians. The creation of a large ‘plateau’ allows pedestrians to take possession of the large covered area, and to act as a stimulus for the development of activities in the buildings facing the area. The intervention thus becomes an engine for urban change. It was a rewarding experience—creating a simple canopy that integrates these ideas and resolves such a complex brief is something we’re proud of.

Currently, I’m working on a 1,000-square-meter project using a hybrid construction method—precast concrete, steel, and wood. This approach makes the building process faster and more cost-effective. While hybrid methods are common in some European countries, they’re less so here, and I’m fortunate to explore this innovation in my practice. Prefabrication is another relevant theme for newer generations. While it has been used effectively for decades, its adoption depends on the region and project type. In Switzerland, especially in Canton Ticino, precast concrete is more common in public buildings, while private clients often prefer traditional methods like in-situ concrete or masonry. For private clients, wooden prefabrication is gaining traction due to its cost and environmental advantages.

Looking back at my first year of independent practice, my advice for those starting their own journey would be: don’t fear failure—it’s an integral part of the process. After having participated unsuccessfully in many competitions. I remember one in particular, on which I had placed very high expectations, but I didn’t even get a mention. It felt like a huge setback. I thought about quitting, but that failure led to a later success, as the next competition I entered was the first I won. Sometimes failure is a stepping stone, sometimes it isn't, but either way, it’s part of the process. And if someone feels the need to pause or start over, that’s okay too.