Mario Botta (1943)
architect - designer (1943)
Mario Botta was born in Mendrisio, Switzerland, on April 1, 1943. After an apprenticeship at the Carloni & Camenisch architectural firm in Lugano, he attended the Liceo Artistico in Milan and graduated from the University Institute of Architecture in Venice in 1969, with a thesis supervised by Carlo Scarpa. During his studies, he had the opportunity to meet and work with important architects such as Le Corbusier and Louis I. Kahn.
In 1965, he collaborated with Le Corbusier's studio in Venice on the hospital project and in 1969 with Luis Kahn on the exhibition presenting the project for the new conference center.
In 1970, he opened his own studio in Lugano, which has since moved to Mendrisio. He began projects primarily focused on villas and single-family homes, with his first construction already at the age of 18 (1961-1963, the parish house in Genestrerio).
From 1982 to 1987, he collaborated with the Alias ​​company as a designer, creating furniture and design objects. Among his most famous creations are the "Prima" and "Seconda" chairs, the "Robot" chest of drawers, and the "Terzo" table. These pieces are recognized and exhibited at the MoMA in New York.
He also designed products for leading companies such as Artemide (the "Fidia" and "Melanos" lamps), FSB (handles), Alessi (the "EYE" clock and "Mia e Tua" carafes), Cleto Munari (a pitcher and vase), Horm (the "Bello!" table and mirrors), and Riva Mobili (the "Bricolages" stools).
He is the co-founder and director of the Academy of Architecture in Mendrisio, where he has taught extensively. He also teaches at various international schools, including the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne and the Yale School of Architecture. He combines design with teaching and research, teaching in Europe, the United States, and Latin America.
His notable international architectural works include the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Leeum Museum in Seoul, the Twelve Hotel in Shanghai, and the Tata headquarters in India.
In 2023, he received the Piranesi Prix de Rome Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his contribution to architecture and design.
Mario Botta stands out for his personal style that enhances the dialogue between form and environment, adopting a sober and rational architectural language, and for a design vision that interprets design as architecture on a smaller scale.
Over the course of his career, he has created more than 300 buildings, including schools, banks, offices, libraries, museums, and religious buildings such as the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli on Monte Tamaro.
In short, Mario Botta's work ranges from large-scale architecture to design objects for major companies, establishing him as one of the most influential figures of the Ticino school and international contemporary architecture.
