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Carlana Mezzalira Pentimalli: Architecture, Publishing, and the Search for Authenticity

architecture-design · 2026-04-27

Established in Treviso in 2010, the Italian architecture firm Carlana Mezzalira Pentimalli operates in Veneto, South Tyrol, and Switzerland. Their portfolio includes a mix of competitions, private projects, and editorial work. In 2020, they were honored with the International DAM Architectural Book Award for "Quirino De Giorgio: An Architect's Legacy." The studio earned a gold medal at the Best Architects award in 2021 for the Music School of Bressanone and again in 2022 for the Civic Library. Co-founder Michel Carlana, a Ph.D. holder, teaches at Iuav University of Venice and the University of Genoa. The firm focuses on the relationship between architecture and structure and plans to publish a book highlighting the unseen aspects of their projects in Bressanone. Carlana promotes architecture as a form of philanthropic service.

Key facts

  • Studio founded in Treviso in 2010.
  • Operates mainly in Veneto, South Tyrol, and Switzerland.
  • Won International DAM Architectural Book Award in 2020 for Quirino De Giorgio monograph.
  • Won gold medal at Best Architects in 2021 (Music School, Bressanone) and 2022 (Civic Library, Bressanone).
  • Michel Carlana is a Ph.D. and professor at Iuav Venice and University of Genoa.
  • Studio name is alphabetical surnames of the three founders.
  • Team includes three partners, three fixed project leaders, plus collaborators and interns.
  • New book with Armin Linke and Lorenzo Mason Studio covers their Bressanone works.
  • Carlana optimistic about Italian architecture's future and international potential.

Entities

Artists

  • Michel Carlana
  • Quirino De Giorgio
  • Armin Linke
  • Lorenzo Mason

Institutions

  • Carlana Mezzalira Pentimalli
  • Conzett Bronzini Gartmann
  • Mondadori Electa
  • Park Books
  • Iuav University of Venice
  • University of Genoa
  • Best Architects
  • International DAM Architectural Book Award

Locations

  • Treviso
  • Italy
  • Veneto
  • South Tyrol
  • Switzerland
  • Bressanone
  • Alto Adige
  • Frauenfeld
  • Zurich

Sources