Mario Botta: His Life and Works
- Received his professional degree in 1969
- Builds his first house in Canton, Ticino under the patronage of Louis Kahn
- His career spanned two decades after
- Given honorary fellowship in the American Institute of Architects in 1984
- In 1996 he became a creator and founder of the new academy of architecture in Ticino
Early Life
Botta's work has achieved international renown. His awards include:
- Merit Award for Excellence in design by the AIA for the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco
- Sofia Bulgaria for the Kyobo Tower
- International Architecture Award for the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture
- The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage Europa Nostra for The Hague
Early Career & Merits
- Born in Mendrisio, Ticino, on April 1, 1943
- Skipped shcool and apprenticed with the architectural firm of Carloni and Camenisch
- Eventually left the firm to attend college in Milan, Italy
- Studied at the institute of architecture in Venice after achieving his degree
- Was greatly influenced by master architect Le Corbusier, who died in 1967
Church in Seriate, Italy
Samsung Museum of Art
The Kyobo Tower:
- Located in Seoul, South Korea
- over 90 thousand square feet in floor space
- Center pillar designed to open up and show the "heart" of the building
- Used by the Kyobo Insurance company for offices
Notable Works
Notable Works (Cont.)
Design Philosophies
- Botta's Work is Characterized by strong geometric shapes
- Often uses natural stone facades and brickwork
- Uses simple building shapes while making indoor space unique and interesting
- Believes in strength and simplicity over glamor
One of Botta's more well known works is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art:
- Botta entered into a competition with two other architects
- Botta was selected shortly after he entered
- Featured over 100 thousand square feet of gallery space
Petra Winery
Church of Santo Volto
Gallery