Associate and Architect Lorenzo Mattozzi will deliver a lecture to Master’s students at the Fontys Academy of Architecture and Urbanism on September 20th. His lecture is part of the course “The Space of Learning,” led by Caterina Micucci (Atelier Atollo), and is one of a series of four talks by external guests. These lectures will focus on specific design modules (Imagination, Synthesis, Translation, and Negotiation) all within the broader context of designing educational institutions and spaces for learning.

Titled “Translating Elements: an MVRDV Paradigm”. Lorenzo’s lecture will explore the concept of architectural translation, tracing how research and functional requirements evolve into architectural identity and tradition. MVRDV challenges conventional design approaches by redefining established definitions, infusing innovation, and blurring the lines between form, function, users, and environment.

Lorenzo will present MVRDV’s framework for translating functional needs into architectural identity, reinterpreting traditional elements such as facades, windows, floors, rooftops, and staircases. By integrating sustainability, advanced technologies, and user-centric design, MVRDV transforms these elements into dynamic, multifunctional components, pushing the boundaries of architectural identity and tradition.

Following the lecture, students will engage in a playful and practical exercise that encourages them to explore massing, architectural elements, and the threshold between them.

At MVRDV, Lorenzo oversees projects within the DAS Studio, focusing on mixed-use developments, urban integration, and social connectivity in Germany. Since joining the firm in 2017, he has worked extensively in the Asia Studio, where he successfully realized four major projects, primarily in China. Prior to MVRDV, Lorenzo gained diverse experience across architectural firms in Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Brazil. His leadership is informed by this international background and expertise in architectural and infrastructural design, project development, and sustainability.

• Date & Time: September 20, 14.00 (CET)
• Location: Fontys Academy of Architecture and Urbanism - Bisschop Zwijsenstraat 5, 5038 VA Tilburg, the Netherlands
• More information on the event can be found here