In this video:
Federica Sanchez is an architect and researcher in Applied Neuroscience at Lombardini22 since 2020. She works on projects ranging from workplace, rest houses, schools and prisons, advising architects from the concept phase to executive design.
Since 2023 she collaborates with MySpace Lab, a research centre of the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Lausanne, to quantitatively measure people’s experience of space.
Besides designing, Federica is part of NuArch, a research project born from the collaboration between Lombardini22 and CNR-IN Parma, which investigates the effects of architecture on human beings from a neuro-physiological and social point of view under the guidance of neuroscientist Giacomo Rizzolatti.
She is interested in the field of neuroaesthetics and its applications in art and design, neuroergonomics and phenomenology, and lectures at international universities.
Federica holds a degree in Architecture from the Politecnico di Milano and a degree in Landscape Architecture from the Technical University of Delft (The Netherlands). She has worked in Japan, The Netherlands and Italy, collaborating on various projects such as installations, schools and hospitals. He later obtained a Postgraduate Master’s degree in ‘Neuroscience applied to Architectural design’ at IUAV, Venice, and a Master’s degree in ‘Olfactory Spatial Design’ at POLI.Design.
Paolo is the Director of Regeneration and Placemaking at Lombardini22, with over 15 years of international experience in leading architectural firms. He has managed complex urban and infrastructural projects across Europe and Asia, focusing on balancing human and natural environments for sustainable impact. Paolo combines professional practice with research and teaching, currently lecturing in London, Paris, Milan, and Tirana. He previously worked for more than years at Grimshaw Architects in London.
Since 2020, he has contributed to Circuit, a research program on circularity in design and construction. He holds a Master of Advanced Studies in Sustainable Territorial Planning from the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio.
He was also a design tutor at the London School of Architecture for several years and now holds a lecturer position at Oxford Brooks University.
Passionate and inquisitive, I am a citizen of the world with a deep appreciation for travels, linguistics, and innovation. Having had the privilege of living in diverse cities such as Singapore, Paris, London, Geneva, and currently based in Lausanne, I have cultivated a global mindset that fuels my work and personal growth.
With a wealth of experience gained from prestigious firms including Mario Botta, One Works, Grimshaw, Ittenbrechbuehl, and Aubert Architectes, I bring a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise to any project. My time at these esteemed organizations has allowed me to develop a wide range of skills and a deep understanding of different architectural approaches. This adaptability and ability to learn on the spot have been instrumental in my professional journey, as I actively seek out diverse work environments that challenge and inspire me.
Three passions have defined me from a young age and continue to shape both my personal and professional life: music, architecture, and wine studies. These passions serve as powerful tools for self-reflection, constantly pushing me to question my choices and decisions. Music, with its ability to evoke emotions and communicate beyond language barriers, has taught me the importance of creating experiences that resonate with people. Architecture, as a means of shaping the built environment, has instilled in me a sense of responsibility to create spaces that enhance the lives of individuals and communities. Finally, my fascination with wine studies has nurtured an open mind, teaching me to appreciate the nuances and stories behind each bottle and encouraging me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective.
Driven by my enthusiastic and curious nature as well my deep love for neuroscience, I am committed to designing a world in which people can grow and develop in the healthiest way. My interest surrounding neuroscience and its relationship with architecture goes beyond the immediate impact of design on our mental health as I am deeply interested in how could we use the brain’s plasticity as a tool for design, could we make our own environments as plastic as our brains ? Could our built environment be a continued driver of development for our brain, reducing cognitive decline. Using the phrase “if we don’t use it, you lose it” to develop new ways in which architecture and buildings can help promote a healthy brain.
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