United Nations
Identity|October 2018

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

Joanne Molina
United Nations

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.

Bu hikaye Identity dergisinin October 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Identity dergisinin October 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

IDENTITY DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Breaking the mould
Identity

Breaking the mould

A collision of forces has given birth to a new project called The Great Design Disaster. Led by a passionate duo – interior architect Gregory Gatserelia and design enthusiast Joy Herro – its aim is nothing short of shaking up the traditional boundaries of the contemporary design market. identity catches up with Herro to learn more.

time-read
2 dak  |
June 2021
A taste for luxury
Identity

A taste for luxury

Häcker Kitchens is on a mission to 'disrupt the kitchen industry' in the Middle East

time-read
2 dak  |
June 2021
An Italian affair
Identity

An Italian affair

An exclusive collection by online retail platform Artemest has been curated by Dubai-based interior designer and founder of Styled Habitat, Rabah Saeid, and combines Italian handcrafted pieces inspired by cosy nights in.

time-read
1 min  |
June 2021
At the nexus of design and function
Identity

At the nexus of design and function

Casamia is home to truly contemporary kitchens for lovers of elegance and understated style

time-read
1 min  |
June 2021
DESIGN FOCUS: A FEAST FOR THE EYES
Identity

DESIGN FOCUS: A FEAST FOR THE EYES

As a place for everything from cooking and eating to entertaining and gathering with family and friends, the kitchen is the heart of any home. It can be a space that invites creativity as well, not only with food but also with design. Contemporary or traditional, urban-inspired or with a countryside feel, adorned with neutral colours or noble materials, bespoke or modular: there are many options to reflect your own style.

time-read
4 dak  |
June 2021
Contemporary heritage
Identity

Contemporary heritage

Launched just a few months ago, new brand and gallery Don Tanani revives the past with a contemporary eye, through objects that are at the crossroads of design and art

time-read
2 dak  |
June 2021
Distant voices
Identity

Distant voices

The voices of 4000 Lebanese citizens have travelled to the Venice Architecture Biennale as part of Beirut-based architecture and design duo T SAKHI’s installation, ‘Letters from Beirut’. With the hope of fostering dialogue and honouring the Lebanese community, the installation shares narratives in the wake of the city’s ongoing reconstruction following the explosion in Beirut on 4 August last year.

time-read
2 dak  |
June 2021
An urban legacy
Identity

An urban legacy

A new book chronicling Sharjah’s modern urban landscape offers a wide-ranging view of the UAE’s third-largest city

time-read
2 dak  |
June 2021
WEEKEND LIFESTYLE
Identity

WEEKEND LIFESTYLE

This Sydney home achieves harmony through the perfect balance of proportions, materials and colours

time-read
3 dak  |
June 2021
A labour of love
Identity

A labour of love

The House of Today platform has supported emerging design talent and students in Lebanon for nearly a decade. Today, in the face of ongoing challenges, their efforts remain as solid as ever.

time-read
5 dak  |
June 2021