Marco Bruno

Marco Bruno is an Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), specializing in architecture and urban studies. He is co-founder of MOTOElastico, an experimental architecture office in South Korea, recognized as the best Italian practice in the Koreas. His work bridges architectural design, art, and urban research, focusing on phenomena like 'Borrowed City'—the adaptive reuse of public spaces in dense urban environments.

Education:

• Master of Architecture, Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), Los Angeles, USA
• Bachelor in Architecture (Magna cum Laude), Politecnico di Torino, Italy
• Erasmus Scholarship, Escola Superior das Belas Artes, Lisbon, Portugal

Research & Practice:

Bruno’s research examines how urban density drives innovative spatial adaptations. His 'Borrowed City' theory critiques and celebrates Seoul’s creative spatial repurposing. Current projects span Italy, Korea, and Qatar, including contributions to the 'Made in Qatar' exhibition and the Seoul City Hall Citizen Gallery.

Recognition:

• 2010 AIDIA Best Design Award (Dub Hanok renovation)
• Participation in Venice Biennale 2011 (Tank Bang installation)

Academic & Professional Roles:

Teaching architecture and design at Korean universities (Hanyang, Korea University, KAIST) since 2003. His practice MOTOElastico has completed major commercial interiors (Louis Quatorze, FUBU Flagship Stores) and collaborated with Zaha Hadid on Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Future Directions:

Investigating urban borrowing dynamics in Qatar, aided by his red motorcycle-based explorations of Doha’s spatial patterns.