Aléa is an experimental design and material research studio based in Paris. Miriam Josi (CH) and Stella Lee Prowse (AU) co-created Aléa in 2021 after completing a Master of Science in Nature Inspired Design at ENSCI – Les Ateliers (École nationale supérieure de création industrielle, Paris).

Their work explores growth, decay and waste, with the goal to develop regenerative methods of fabrication while honoring beauty in the process. Situated at the intersections of design, biology, and agriculture, Aléa’s practice blurs the boundaries between disciplines.

Their ongoing research project  ‘Back to Dirt’ explores a unique bio-inclusive myco-fabrication process that utilizes mycelium, the root system of fungi, and local waste substrates to grow objects in soil. Winning the 2021 Boisbuchet Residency Award allowed them to test their process at full scale, where they grew the first underground myco-fabricated chair. Their process bypasses the need for sterilization and plastic moulds, examining the potential of mycelia’s regenerative capacities. Their research is supported by FAIRE Paris and has been exhibited at Pavillon d’Arsenal, France Design Week, FRAC Orleans, Biennale Amour Vivant, among others.

Aléa’s mission is to establish a deeper relationship between the natural and built environment by designing autonomous place-based systems for a post-fossil fuel future. Their aim is to take a critical approach to biodesign to avoid a trajectory of exploitation and control of nature and to instead imagine new ways of making that interact and share control and benefits with the other-than-human.

Park Associati is an international architecture firm based in Milan. Founded in 2000 by Filippo Pagliani and Michele Rossi, Park Associati deal with architecture, urban planning, landscape interior and product design. From the earliest years, Park Associati filtered, developed and adopted external ideas and stimuli, thanks to the culture of dialogue that still characterises the practice’s open design methodology.

Park Plus is a research unit that sides the firm’s workflow to enhance its strategic thinking, its innovation principles and its international recognition.

Matteo Arietti leads Park Associati’s R&D endeavors as the Head of Research of the firm. His activity revolves around the complex landscape of architectural innovation, identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends and opportunities for pioneering projects. His extensive work has enriched the firm’s portfolio with expertise in topics that stand at the forefront of architectural innovation, such as urban mining, dry-gardens landscaping, biophilic design, adaptive reuse, and the implementation of unconventional materials. Matteo also champions the integration of computational design, design technology, and Artificial Intelligence into practice, enhancing both creativity and efficiency. Beyond research, he is deeply involved in knowledge dissemination, education, and inspiration through international lectures and workshops.

Costanza Croce graduated from the Academy of Architecture of Mendrisio, in Switzerland, in 2022; while studying she was involved in various work experiences abroad. She joined Park in 2022 and started working on some major competitions straight away. Costanza collaborates on various types of projects – offices, residences, multifunctional spaces and schools.

Vincenzo Salierno is currently coordinating Park Associati’s competition unit, where his role significantly benefits from his extensive international background and his active engagement in pro bono projects. After earning his degree in Architecture from the Politecnico di Bari in 2012, Vincenzo honed his expertise abroad in Berlin for five years. During this period, he collaborated with several practices, including the renowned office of Francis Kéré, enriching his architectural vision and international perspective. Returning to Italy, he further expanded his professional portfolio with Cino Zucchi Architetti before his pivotal move to Park Associati in 2022. At Park Associati, Vincenzo has leveraged his broad experience in various significant projects, ranging from urban regeneration to the innovative restyling of office and residential buildings. His contributions are not only a testament to his professional acumen but also highlight his commitment to advancing architectural excellence and community-focused initiatives.

https://parkassociati.com/