Carlo Ratti, an Italian architect, engineer, and academic, is renowned for his groundbreaking work in integrating digital technologies with urban design. Born on October 21, 1971, in Turin, Italy, Ratti pursued engineering at the Politecnico di Torino and architecture at the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris. He later earned his PhD from the University of Cambridge, setting the foundation for a career that would redefine urban landscapes worldwide.
Founder of Carlo Ratti Associati
In 2004, Ratti founded Carlo Ratti Associati (CRA), a design and innovation firm based in Turin, Italy, with offices in New York and London. The firm quickly gained international acclaim for its innovative projects that blend technology and architecture to create smart, sustainable urban environments. CRA's portfolio includes notable projects like the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, the Jian Mu Tower in Shenzhen, and the AGO Modena Fabbriche Culturali.
Academic Contributions and MIT Senseable City Lab
Beyond his architectural practice, Ratti is a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he directs the MIT Senseable City Lab. The lab focuses on how digital technologies impact urban life, exploring real-time data and urban informatics to enhance city living. This research has positioned Ratti at the forefront of the smart city movement, influencing urban planning and policy worldwide.
Notable Projects
Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai: Featuring a dynamic roof made from boat hulls and a facade that integrates natural materials with advanced technologies, this pavilion represents Italy's commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Jian Mu Tower, Shenzhen: A vertical farm within a skyscraper, the Jian Mu Tower aims to integrate agriculture into urban living, promoting local food production and enhancing the urban ecosystem.
AGO Modena Fabbriche Culturali: Transforming a historical hospital complex in Modena, Italy, into a cultural and innovation hub, this project combines historical conservation with modern dynamic architecture, featuring a kinetic roof that adapts to various functions and weather conditions.
The Greenary: Located in Parma, Italy, this residence incorporates a large tree at its center, embracing biophilic design principles. The project reimagines a traditional farmhouse with advanced climate control systems to harmonize indoor living with nature.
France Pavilion for Osaka Expo 2025: Titled "Theatre of Nature," this pavilion showcases France's cultural and natural contributions through an immersive pathway that connects various ecosystems, blending human and natural environments.
Medellínnovation District: In Medellín, Colombia, this district combines traditional and new industries into a creative cluster, fostering innovation through a digitally enabled environment that promotes local production and sustainable urban living.
Ratti's work has been exhibited globally and featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Financial Times, and Wired. He has been listed in Wired Magazine's "Smart List: 50 People Who Will Change the World" and Forbes' "Names You Need to Know." His innovative approach continues to push the boundaries of architecture and urban planning, advocating for the integration of technology to create more responsive and sustainable cities.