6 Most Famous Italian Architects in the World

6 Most Famous Italian Architects in the World: Arredare Moderno’s ranking

Italy boasts a list of architects whose skill and professionalism is recognised not only nationally, but also beyond Italy’s borders. Among the most famous architects in the world Arredare Moderno has selected a list of 6 renowned names, some of whom have been awarded the most prestigious recognition for architects, the Pritzker Architecture Prize, awarded annually to honour the architect whose work demonstrates a combination of talent, vision and commitment, an award that has produced significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture.

Here are the 6 most famous Italian architects in the world, according to Arredare Moderno:

1. Aldo Rossi
2. Renzo Piano
3. Gaetana Aulenti
4. Ettore Sottsass
5. Massimiliano Fuksas
6. Stefano Boeri.

Most famous Italian architects in the world: Aldo Rossi

Aldo Rossi was the first Italian architect to win the Pritzker Prize in 1990, thanks to the realisation of works such as the extension of the Modena Cemetery, the Teatro del Mondo realised for the Venice Biennale and the La Conica coffee pot, to name but a few. Rossi has managed to take his vision and art all over the world. Born in Milan, he graduated in architecture and started as an editor at Casabella-Continuità magazine and other editorial offices.

After his first small building projects, he made a quantum leap with the construction of the Monte Amiata complex in the Gallaratese district of Milan, but gained international attention with his design for the extension of the San Cataldo cemetery in Modena. Aldo Rossi has collaborated with the world’s most prestigious universities and won numerous international competitions.

Most famous Italian architects in the world: Renzo Piano

Born in Genoa into a family of building constructors, Renzo Piano graduated in architecture and, thanks to his father’s work, immediately came into contact with building site life and suppliers. After a few years spent in an architect’s office, he decided to continue his education by travelling to the United States and London. Renzo Piano is one of the most well-known Italian architects in the world. Winner of the Pritzker Prize and the AIA Gold Medal in 2008, today architect Piano lives in Paris, France and is recognised as one of the most influential personalities on the planet. Among Renzo Piano’s most famous works are the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Shard in London, the tallest skyscraper in Europe.

Today, the architect is regarded as one of the world’s leading experts in architecture. His main characteristic is his desire to play with materials and his ability to design buildings that integrate perfectly into the urban and architectural universe in which they are inserted. His realisations can be found not only in Italy and France, but also in the United States of America, Greece, Japan, Switzerland, England and Australia.

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Most famous Italian architects in the world: Gaetana Aulenti

Gaetana Aulenti is one of the most famous Italian architects and designers in the world. In her career, she has distinguished herself for her furniture design and interior architecture projects. She became known for her collaborations with Olivetti, Fiat, Max Mara, for whom she realised offices, showrooms and international exhibitions. She renovated the Gare d’Orsay in Paris and the Scuderie Papali in Rome, known as the Scuderie del Quirinale. She designed the Museo and Dante stations of the Naples Metro and their squares. She was awarded the Legion of Honour in France and the Praemium Imperiale in Japan.

Most famous Italian architects in the world: Ettore Sottsass

One of the most famous Italian architects in the world is Ettore Sottsass, who particularly distinguished himself in interior design. Winner of no less than three Compasso d’Oro awards, Sottsass was not only an architect, but also one of Italy’s best designers and a photographer. He collaborated with Poltronova and Olivetti, for whom he designed the first Italian electronic calculator and the famous Valentine, the fiery red typewriter that could be folded into a briefcase.

Most famous Italian architects in the world: Massimiliano Fuksas

Massimiliano Fuksas is an Italian architect and designer, one of the best known and most appreciated in the world. He runs Studio Fuksas with offices in Rome, Paris and Shenzhen. In 2006 he received the Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Institute of British Architects. He has focused his profession on the realisation of public works including university buildings and large urban complexes. His projects are characterised by continuous research into innovative materials and technologies.

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Most famous Italian architects in the world: Stefano Boeri

Stefano Boeri is the symbol of contemporary architectural research. Boeri is best known for his Bosco Verticale a project that has revolutionised the appearance of Milan, a complex of two residential tower blocks inaugurated in 2014, covered with over two thousand species of trees: an ambitious metropolitan reforestation project that through the vertical densification of greenery aims to increase the plant and animal biodiversity of the Lombard capital, reducing urban sprawl and also contributing to the mitigation of the microclimate. This project has made Boeri famous all over the world and won him the International Highrise Award from the Frankfurt Museum of Architecture and the award for the best building in the world from the Council on Tall Build Habitat.