Patricia Urquiola on Her Career, AI, and the Venice Biennale
Patricia Urquiola, architect and creative director of Cassina since 2015, discusses her multidisciplinary practice, her team structure, and her involvement in the installation 'The Other Side of the Hill' at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. The project, initiated by Carlo Ratti, brings together Beatriz Colomina, Roberto Kolter, Geoffrey West, and Mark Wigley to explore microbial and human population parallels. Urquiola reflects on her training in Italy, the evolution of design specialization, and the importance of a systemic vision. She addresses AI as an inevitable tool, emphasizing adaptation over control. She also highlights her Basque heritage, the role of print magazines in her education, and her approach to Cassina's artistic direction, recalling advice from Tomás Maldonado. The interview covers her recent projects, including the Six Senses Rome Hotel (2023), Casa Caban Hayama in Japan, and the Andaz Hotel in Lisbon.
Key facts
- Patricia Urquiola is creative director of Cassina since 2015.
- She contributed to the installation 'The Other Side of the Hill' at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale.
- The installation team includes Beatriz Colomina, Roberto Kolter, Geoffrey West, and Mark Wigley, convened by Carlo Ratti.
- Urquiola trained as an architect and designer in Italy.
- She designed the Six Senses Rome Hotel in 2023.
- Casa Caban Hayama is a 14-room resort in Sagami Bay, Japan, with recycled fiber panels.
- The Andaz Hotel in Lisbon features Portuguese ceramic tiles, wood paneling, and 170 rooms.
- Urquiola cites Achille Castiglioni and Vico Magistretti as influences.
Entities
Artists
- Patricia Urquiola
- Beatriz Colomina
- Roberto Kolter
- Geoffrey West
- Mark Wigley
- Carlo Ratti
- Achille Castiglioni
- Vico Magistretti
- Tomás Maldonado
- Fernando Aramburu
Institutions
- Cassina
- Harvard University
- Abitare
Locations
- Italy
- Venice
- Rome
- Sagami Bay
- Japan
- Lisbon
- Portugal
- Spain
- Basque Country
Sources
- Abitare —