Cucinella, Mario

Born in Palermo on August 29th 1960 and currently residing in Paris.
After graduating in architecture from the University of Genoa in 1986, he set up his own studio in Paris in 1992, and has been working with Edoardo Badano and Elisabetta Francis since 1998.
His work involves a mixture of research, architectural planning and design.
During his University years, he took part in the International Laboratory of Architecture and Urban Design (ILAUD) in Siena in 1984.
After graduating, he was appointed project co-ordinator at the Renzo Piano Building Workshop in Genoa and Paris (1987-91); in 1992, he won Gold Medal for young architects at the International Forum in Buenos Aires, thanks to his project for the area flanking the Rio de la Plata, he also obtained an Honorary Diploma at the CINTUS II international competition held by the United Nations for his research in new technologies in the world of constructions for social use.
He has taken part in many architectural competitions: among these, he participated in the Reichstag Competition in Berlin in 1992.
His collaboration with iGuzzini dates back to 1992, the year in which he conducted the refurbishment of the iGuzzini showroom in Paris (completed in 1995).
In 1997, he followed the project and construction of the new iGuzzini Administrative Headquarters in Recanati (Italy) inaugurated in 1998.
His activity in the industrial design sector began in 1992, when he created some lamps for iGuzzini (1993 Iris Range).
In 1996, the Woody and Miniwoody projectors were placed on the market, and were awarded the iF award in 1997, the year the Platea projector was also launched onto the market. All these luminaires were designed for iGuzzini while developing urban lighting themes.