We chose this name for our studio because, after a thorough research on the existing structures in nature and, more specifically, on the roots of plants and trees, we came to the conclusion that the functioning of the roots is analogous to that of our neuronal cells. Our brain cells, in fact, cannot be connected through precise lines. Likewise, our ideas, and therefore the creativity of designers, architects and designers, are developed through a non-linear path.

Often we believe that, by pursuing a certain route, we’ll achieve a definite result. Nonetheless we are caught by the unexpected that affects the life of each of us. Therefore, rhizome is not only the neuronal course and the functioning of our brain, but it is life itself, namely the ability to follow these non-linear paths that lead us to achieve unexpected results, for better or worse. Rhizome represents life and, at the same time, the roots.

A significant part of us, that is the brain, functions just like plant roots. It might seem an abstract concept, but I also think of the utopia of finding a formula to define a creative path. To give birth to an idea and transform it into a concrete element, is the most important challenge for architects, who must certainly be creative but also well rooted on the ground. The combination of these two aspects finds linguistic fulfilment in the word “rhizome”.

Sociality as a whole has undergone, and is still undergoing, a slow and progressive evolution, undoubtedly supported by the use of digital tools. These latter have not only changed our lives, but also the spaces within which we live. Taking up the image of the rhizome, the existing connections between people can be represented through networks that over the last three years have been strongly solicited.

First of all, we assume that the theme of sustainability at the beginning of the 2000s seemed a utopian challenge, eventually becoming a real need due to the current climate change and emergencies. The response of the world of architecture has been to follow all models, formulas and principles that, although correct, were addressed to a level of certification and compliance beyond the actual task that an architect should perform, that is to make people live well inside and outside the buildings they design.

Therefore, our viewpoint is not so much and not just a matter of energy efficiency or certification, but rather of a new, and perhaps radical, approach to the fact that we are obliged to take into account some fundamental aspects. It is clear that the climate has changed and that some extreme temperatures, especially in summer if we talk about continental Europe, have become daily emergencies. Having said this, green architecture starts from an assumption, that is to focus on the building envelope – and this is my first answer. A building is energy efficient when it is not consuming energy, not simply because it uses renewable sources. At the same time, and this is what interests me most, it must ensure good living comfort by controlling and screening the casing in summer and protecting people from the cold in winter.

Ultimately, green architecture is also a conscious choice of construction technologies and materials. As a studio, we have been building mainly in wood for many years now as we know that some more traditional technologies, such as reinforced concrete, have implications for health, well-being and internal comfort. Thus, we start from the shell, that is the structure, but then, and this is the third pillar, we need to review the choices in terms of materials. In recent years have been made available a series of resources that, in addition to being certified, are the result of an intelligent reuse of raw materials, which are not and should not be a choice of style.

This brings us back to the principle, that is to the idea of not pursuing a precise style, but rather a thorough research. This has become for us a mantra along with that of flexibility and Mix & Match. Working in green terms means making precise choices and excluding some materials. The industrial world will also change in this sense together with that of automotive. Then, the theme of sustainable mobility will obviously push many companies and multinationals towards a green economy. In the field of architecture and interior design this is already happening.

Among the new projects, there are two hybrid hospitality models with CampusX in progress in Milan, one in the Bicocca area and the other in Novate Milanese. These are both significant interventions as we are talking about more than four hundred student rooms and fifty hotel rooms in the first case and nine hundred student rooms and sixty hotel rooms in the second. Intervening in a city like Milan that has an important housing demand also means understanding what is the best formula in terms of economy and reception of our principles.