United Nations

World-renowned Italian architect Marco Piva is making meaningful contributions to life around the globe.

- Joanne Molina

With his humble demeanour, generous nature and famed ability to conjure up a magical feeling in any space, Marco Piva has earned the respect of his colleagues all over the world. From China to Dubai, his reputation as a trusted collaborator makes him one of the few architects to enjoy an authentically sterling reputation.

“All our projects are deeply rooted in a meaningful product culture – not just [an obsession with] putting ‘something new’ on the market. I believe design is a relentless commitment to contribute to the construction of a better world, be it through an object or the development of an entire neighbourhood,” he says.

Piva has been Head Juror of the id Design Awards since their inception, and so we were excited when he sat down with us to reveal his latest projects and share his insight into the state of the industry.

Gracious as always, he starts by explaining why the awards mean so much to him. “The id Design Awards are the only quality award in the Emirates. They extend to various disciplines and every year provide a picture of what is going on in the Gulf,” says Piva. “They build a bridge between the design developed in various countries, also outside the Gulf area, and produce solutions which not only meet local needs, but also universal ones.”

The awards also show his commitment to the UAE, where he is currently developing important residential projects, including completing construction of the Rawdhat community in Abu Dhabi and high-end private villas.

“Rawdhat relies on a concept that is very far removed from the typical residential block. Its design involves several innovative elements, such as its enveloping architecture comprised of two modern buildings with interconnected volumes, an internal square to encourage socialisation and create relationships among neighbours, and green spaces for leisure activities,” he says.