Architecture Awards 2020

68 2020 Architecture Awards BUILD Jun20392 Most Innovative Architecture Studio 2020 - Northern Italy & Best Historic Renovation Project (Italy): DRAGO SUD ounded in 2011 by brothers Francesco and Roberto Drago, both graduates of the Polytechnic University of Milan, Dragostile is an architecture studio with a central philosophy founded on the cohesion of heritage and modernity. A contemporary synthesis of heritage that is encapsulated in time-honoured regional techniques and cutting- edge, intellectual and theoretical thinking, Dragostile is committed to creating architecture that belongs to its own era, untainted by preconceptions of trends and ideals of the architecture industry. The design process is therefore dictated by organic styles based around minute elements or regional planning. Dragostile have a simple mission; to build a design from paper to something that is able to be experienced on a much higher level. Creating buildings based on extensive research of both territory and client needs ensures that the team of architects at Dragostile are able to cultivate results that are unique to each client, while existing in perfect harmony with the natural landscape. With a philosophy that centres around the amalgamation of creativity and mathematics, Dragostile believes in architecture as a universal language. The foundations of architecture allow architects to write and compose unique pieces that are also durable and sustainable. Dragostile follows these principles to create architectural designs influenced by their context, so as to create organic results that are rooted in the natural world. Their passion for architectural design has established Dragostile in the very fabric of the industry as they create innovative buildings designed to stand the test of time. This methodology has been practised in Dragostile’s latest project, that has been created using a little-known constructive method in Italy. The construction consists of an anti-seismic structure in reinforced concrete which is completely incorporated by the infill walls. These are composed of a single conglomerate in lime and hemp and serve as soundproofing and thermal insulation, regulating humidity and ensuring the breathability of the building envelope and excellent thermal surge. The same material was used to insulate the roof and foundation, in order to seal the entire building, preventing thermal bridging and incompatibility between different materials. F This choice was made in accordance with the wishes of the builders to use natural materials which ensure well-being and healthiness to the interiors and minimise and simplify the technological and installation systems. This systemmakes heating and cooling plants practically superfluous, as it is a passive construction, in keeping with Dragostile’s innovative and forward- thinking approach to design. As the uncertainty of the global economy leads towards a ‘less is more’ approach to architectural design and management, Dragostile are adapting their practices to facilitate this shift. Predominantly, this includes the development of an algorithmic generative design programme, that will manage the complexity of natural design based on customised parameters. This futuristic service will allow further advancements within Dragostile’s already ground- breaking designs, facilitating their self-promotion as leaders of innovation within the architectural sphere. We are excited to see what’s next for these champions of pioneering architecture. Company: DRAGOSTILE Contact: Francesco Drago Web Address: www.dragostile.eu As beauty and mathematics exist in perfect cohesion within each of their designs, Dragostile presents architecture that transgresses the borders built by trends and formalisms. Drawing on long-lived regional techniques that have been combined with intellectual, theoretical and cutting-edge knowledge, this Italian architecture firm is looking to the future of architectural design. In their own words: ‘It is architecture, a space-time point of territory sublimation’.