Francesco Isidori

Francesco Isidori serves as Visiting Critic at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning and co-founded the Rome-based architecture firm Labics in 2002. His practice spans interior renovations to urban masterplans, with landmark projects including Città del Sole (Rome, 2016) and MAST (Bologna, 2013).

Education:

• Bachelor's from Sapienza University of Rome (1999)
• Ph.D. in Architectural Design and Theory from Sapienza University of Rome (2006)

Isidori's research integrates theoretical frameworks with applied design across architectural scales, emphasizing urban regeneration in historical contexts. His work explores sustainable innovation through adaptive reuse of industrial spaces, cultural institution design, and masterplans that dialogue with archaeological sites. Key methodologies include blending contemporary interventions with historical preservation while addressing social and environmental challenges in dense urban environments.

His publications analyze Rome's architectural evolution and contemporary practice trends, revealing consistent themes of cultural continuity, material innovation, and spatial narratives that bridge historical layers with modern functionality. The works demonstrate how theoretical concepts translate into built form across diverse project typologies.

Scientific Awards:

• ABB Leaf Awards, Cittá del Sole, Mixed-use Building of the Year (2017)
• Premio Biennale Internazionale di Architettura "Barbara Cappochin," Cittá del Sole, special jury mention (2017)
• European Architecture Awards, Cittá del Sole, special prize for sustainable innovation (2017)
• Grand Prix | Casalgrande Padana, MAST, international architecture award (2016)
• Gold medal for Italian architecture, MAST, special prize to the architectural client (2015)

As Visiting Critic, Isidori advises graduate design studios at Cornell and conducts workshops internationally. His built projects constitute his primary research output, with competition wins and constructed works demonstrating applied innovation. Labics' practice functions as a living laboratory for architectural experimentation, generating knowledge through direct engagement with complex urban sites.

Labics operates as a collaborative research-practice entity co-led with Maria Claudia Clemente. The studio maintains dual focus on theoretical inquiry through exhibitions like "Structures" (2014-2015) and applied design across 30+ international projects, with current work concentrated on Rome's archaeological integration and Milanese urban regeneration initiatives.