How Studio Transit is shaping the urban scapes of Rome
Dive into the team's creative process for sustainable architecture
Meet the team
Studio Transit is a multidisciplinary architectural powerhouse based in Rome. Focused on large-scale sustainable residential and commercial projects, the studio leverages Lumion for the majority of their projects. We had the pleasure of sitting down with architects Miriam Conti and Lorenzo Langella, as they shed light on their distinctive architectural philosophy, sustainable design, and the role Lumion plays in bringing Studio Transit’s vision to life. Keep reading to discover more.
Could you sum up the story of Studio Transit to date for us?
Miriam: We just celebrated our 50th anniversary a couple of years ago: the studio was founded in 1972 by four individuals, with Gianni Ascarelli still being at the company as one of our partners. Everything started in Rome, where we've significantly influenced the urban landscape – particularly in the southeastern business district. Our early involvement in designing Rome's underground stations in the 1970s left a lasting impact on the city's infrastructure.
As of today, we have a diverse portfolio: from residential and office buildings to our ongoing hotel project in the city center, as well as some healthcare-related projects we’re involved in. We’re heavily focused on large-scale projects thanks to our dynamic team. Participating in competitions has also been instrumental for us as we expand into educational and cultural projects around the country.
Let us in on your design process.
Lorenzo: Our workflow is structured and interdisciplinary, guiding us through the various phases of each project. We begin by conducting thorough analyses of a project's context, considering historical and energetic factors. From there, we go onto the creative phase, where we sketch ideas on paper or digitally. We create numerous images to explore different concepts, embracing failures and setbacks as part of the creative process. Collaboration is key as we refine our concepts, often generating multiple ideas before selecting the most promising ones to develop. Effective communication of ideas is crucial throughout this process. This structured approach lets us handle multiple projects efficiently, even with a small team, ultimately allowing us to get high-quality results in less time.
Miriam: Our process is indeed very collaborative. I've been part of Studio Transit for three years now, and from day one, my voice has been as valued as any team member’s. There's no strict hierarchy here; while leadership is important, we all contribute equally to the exchange of ideas. We don't just follow orders; instead, we explore different concepts independently before coming together to share and refine our ideas – sometimes we don’t even speak to each other during this stage so that everyone is able to come up with something uniquely their own. This approach keeps us sharp and fosters a dynamic environment where everyone, regardless of experience, contributes their unique perspective. It can be challenging to narrow down options, but it ensures thorough exploration of possibilities. We dedicate a significant amount of time to the design phase, leaving the graphic elaboration for the final stages. However, Lumion helps streamline the last stages by visualizing our final designs effectively.
Miriam Conti
Architect, Studio Transit
Lumion has been integral to our design process, particularly in studying lighting: we use it to visualize how light interacts with different architectural elements and surfaces from the earliest stages of our projects.
You have such a unique, intricate workflow. How does Lumion fit into it?
Miriam: Lumion has been integral to our design process, particularly in studying lighting and spatial positioning. Since light plays a crucial role in defining volumes and creating ambiance, we use Lumion to visualize how light interacts with different architectural elements and surfaces from the earliest stages of our projects.
By incorporating light into our 3D models, we gain a comprehensive understanding of how spaces will look and feel in real life. As we explore various design options, Lumion gives us an immediate realistic depiction so we can make informed decisions early on. Also, Lumion's ability to accurately simulate natural light effects is important to us, as it helps us craft indoor spaces that are both visually pleasing and functional.
Lorenzo: Beyond built elements, we also prioritize the representation of natural elements such as landscape features and water. Lumion excels in depicting nature – and seamlessly integrates it into our designs. By incorporating both built and natural elements, we can create holistic environments that blend internal and external spaces seamlessly. Lumion’s efficiency in rendering these elements ensures that we can effectively communicate our design vision to clients.
Lorenzo Langella
Associate Architect, Studio Transit
Efficiency and speed are key for us, and Lumion has proven to be invaluable – it lets us quickly modify and render updates so that we can meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
What is crucial to you when it comes to rendering?
Lorenzo: Efficiency and speed are key for us, but striking the right balance between render quality and production time can be a challenge. Over the years, we've adapted to this demand by continuously refining our process. We often find ourselves adjusting lighting, camera angles, and contextual elements multiple times to achieve the desired outcome. In this case, Lumion has proven to be invaluable – it lets us quickly modify and render updates so that we can meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
What are some challenges you tend to encounter during the design phase?
Miriam: One of the biggest challenges we face is integrating external expertise into our projects. Collaborating with professionals from various fields, such as mechanical engineering, presents complexities, especially in the initial stages of a project. As our project leader, Lorenzo invests substantial time in arranging calls and consultations with structural engineers, plant engineers, and sustainability experts. Sometimes we’re really excited about an idea, and then sustainability experts come in and say, “No, this isn’t going to work.” This iterative process of moving back and forth and revisiting ideas until the end can be demanding and time-consuming. Also, legal compliance and contractual obligations add another layer of complexity. But our team is resilient, and our collaborative bond helps overcome all the challenges and deliver great results.
How many projects do you work on simultaneously?
Lorenzo: Currently, we're juggling around 10 projects of different scales and types. These include residential projects, a hospitality venture, and the infrastructure of an airport terminal. Our work spans all project phases, some lasting a year or more, while others are completed within one to two months. Additionally, we regularly take part in competitions, typically five or six annually, ranging from national museum designs to waterfronts. These competitions vary in duration, with some requiring only a short concept design phase, while others involve more extensive development. Our workload is dynamic, with projects overlapping and progressing at different speeds, so we have a diverse and stimulating work environment.
Tell us more about the competitions you take part in!
Lorenzo: Historically, our practice didn't rely on competitions; instead, we had a strong network of private clients in Rome due to our longstanding presence in the city for over 50 years. However, since 2016, we've embraced competitions as a new avenue for projects. Winning the competition for the new Chamber of Commerce office building in Milan marked a turning point. We've since ventured into diverse sectors like education, participating in competitions for schools and museums. This shift has pushed us out of our comfort zone, prompting us to explore new territories and collaborate with various professionals like sustainability consultants, landscape designers, and lighting specialists. Our extensive network and resources enable us to compete effectively.
Miriam: The level of involvement varies between team members, with certain individuals taking on more prominent roles. Typically, there's a project leader, often skilled in competitions, along with participation from other associates. Our younger members are heavily invested in competitions, leveraging their skills and enthusiasm. Their involvement spans across various aspects such as graphic design and research. As our team has expanded, we've been able to allocate resources to focus specifically on research, which we now refer to as our Transit Lab. The research team plays a vital role in the initial analysis phase, examining the area and context thoroughly.
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What role does sustainability play in your designs?
Miriam: Our goal is to ensure our designs are not just aesthetically pleasing but environmentally responsible – we’ve always been committed to this. We prioritize sustainable design principles right from the get-go. We recognize that certain architectural elements, such as volumes and orientation, can significantly impact sustainability outcomes – so we integrate these considerations into the initial design phase to make sure there are no surprises later on.
As we progress, we collaborate with experts and conduct in-depth analysis to delve deeper into specific aspects such as carbon footprint, water consumption, and vegetation choices. While we take the lead in shaping the overall design direction, we rely on the expertise of our consultants for assessment. Our projects often have innovative facade designs, which not only contribute to the architectural identity of our buildings but also serve practical purposes such as solar shading in response to heatwaves. We want to create buildings that don’t just look good, but are also energy-efficient. This holistic approach to sustainable design is crucial to our practice.
How do you see the industry evolving, taking into account AI and new technologies?
Lorenzo: I’m slightly hesitant about AI – I find satisfaction in being hands-on with certain aspects of our projects. However, what truly engages my mind is the process itself, the journey that leads us to a project. Even if we don’t win a competition or complete something, the insights gained along the way are invaluable and contribute to our expertise for future challenges. While AI may eventually play a significant role in larger-scale projects, the complexity of our work makes it challenging to simply provide inputs to an AI and expect it to create a design. Our design process involves continuous refinement and adaptation based on insights gained along the way. Our work is deeply rooted in a cultural context and requires a level of creativity and understanding that goes beyond simple inputs and outputs: there’s a level of nuance and intuition that can't be replicated by AI.
Miriam: I’m completely with Lorenzo on this one. While technology may advance to a point where it can handle a lot of data and information, there will always be a distinctly human element in the creative process. Take movies, for example. While AI may be able to produce films that are technically proficient and follow a formula, it's often the touch of a talented director or writer that adds that extra layer of humanity and emotion, something that can't quite be replicated by algorithms. I believe there will always be aspects of design that require the intuition, creativity, and ingenuity of the human mind. Even with all the data and information at our disposal, there's a certain inspiration that comes from within, guiding us to make decisions that go beyond calculations. And Lorenzo is right: often it's the process that creates a project, not vice versa.
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Do you have any advice for younger architects who are fresh to the industry?
Miriam: Well, firstly, patience is key. The profession can be challenging, often requiring a level of complexity not fully taught in universities. As you transition into the real world, you'll encounter various aspects beyond design, including cost control and project management. It can feel overwhelming at times, but with patience and perseverance, you'll gradually become more accustomed to the demands of this industry. Additionally, it's important to find balance between control and flexibility. While control is essential, there will be instances where you must let go of some control and swiftly adapt to circumstances. Teamwork is also crucial. Architecture is inherently collaborative, and no project can be successfully developed by one person alone, even if you think otherwise. Trusting your teammates and learning to work effectively in teams is essential for professional growth.
Lorenzo: Three words: passion, attitude, and collaboration. Have genuine love for what you do – that’s passion. Embrace challenges with enthusiasm and approach each day with a willingness to learn and grow – that's a good attitude. Learn how to work with others for the best output – that’s collaboration. By cultivating these, you'll navigate the complexities of architecture with resilience and determination.
Visualize the future
With over 50 years of shaping Rome's urban landscape, Studio Transit continues to push boundaries, embracing a collaborative ethos and fostering innovation through sustainability. As shown in Studio Transit's extraordinary work, Lumion can be a powerful tool that not only elevates your projects but keeps you in your creative flow.
Embark on a visualization journey of your own with Lumion. Start with a free 14-day trial and discover how you can turn ideas and projects into stunning depictions of reality.
