Mario Botta

Mario Botta (1943-) began his architectural journey with an apprenticeship in Lugano, followed by studies at Milan's Art College and the University Institute of Architecture in Venice, where he graduated in 1969 under Carlo Scarpa and Giuseppe Mazzariol. During this time, he worked with Le Corbusier and Louis I. Kahn. Starting in 1970, Botta focused on single-family homes in Ticino, later expanding to schools, banks, museums, and religious buildings. An influential educator, he co-founded the Academy of Architecture at the Università della Svizzera Italiana in 1996, where he continues to teach. His internationally recognized designs have earned numerous awards.