b15a Architects on Sustainable Design and Urban Regeneration

Silvia Guzzini (Rome, 1976) and Andrea Desideri (Avezzano, 1975), founders of b15a, were awarded by In/Arch at the 2023 Venice Biennale. Their practice champions 'aesthetic longevity' and harmony with nature. After six years at Foster + Partners in London, they launched b15a in 2011, named after an Antarctic iceberg. Their first major project was a green pedestrian path for Rome's Esquilino district, inspired by the High Line, winning the Catel 2011 prize. b15a uses natural materials and collaborates with artisans, tailoring designs to context and client needs. For the Antica Nuova Gastronomia Gabrini in Rome, they drew from Italo Calvino's Sotto il sole giaguaro and Nicola Perullo's texts, plus Chiara Conforti and Maria Grazia D'Amelio's book on Renaissance ceilings. They received the Premio In/Arch Lazio 2023, Premio Speciale Listone Giordano In/Arch Lazio 2023, and Premio Speciale Nazionale Listone Giordano In/Arch 2023 for their interior design of Casa DICA, a 1963 apartment by Studio Passarelli in Via Campania 59, Rome. Currently, they are restoring Palazzo Altemps in Monte Compatri (Castelli Romani) for a cultural hub under a PNRR project, including a media library, exhibition spaces, and municipal offices. They plan to collaborate with former London colleagues on international competitions in Australia.