Interview by Elena Sbokou
MASK Architects is a renowned, innovative architecture and industrial design firm known for its young and talented team. Unlike traditional firms, MASK Architects goes beyond mere design; they are pioneers in integrating their invented technologies into their projects.
Their work is redefining the contemporary meaning of architecture and design, opening new pathways and setting new standards in the industry.
They are changing the standards and reshaping what architecture and design mean today, addressing current requirements and conditions to design the future in the present.
They proudly identify themselves as inventor architects and designers.
GDN: Can you share the story behind the founding of MASK Architects and what inspires you and influences you to create all these unique designs?
Öznur Pınar Çer and Danilo Petta: Founded in Italy in 2020 by Öznur Pınar ÇER and Danilo Petta, MASK Architects in Olbia, Sardinia, Italy.
The inspiration behind MASK Architects stems from a multidisciplinary approach, blending architecture and industrial design with innovative technologies and engineering.
Drawing from a rich tapestry of diverse influences across multiple disciplines, we proudly identify ourselves as “inventor architects and designers.”
This designation reflects their distinctive approach, seamlessly integrating innovative technologies with architectural and industrial design to address contemporary challenges head-on.
We are more than just architects and designers—we invent technology and integrate it into their work. MASK Architects are inspired by collaborating with various disciplines, including aerospace engineering, green energy and technology, sustainability, art, design, micro-macro engineering, luxury watch and jewelry design, interior design, urban design, and master planning.
Our inspiration comes from their ability to work across any field in design, using their expertise to realize their inventive ideas.
Our expertise extends to micro-mechanical design and engineering in the luxury watch industry, interior design, master planning, architectural buildings, pavilions, urban design, and product design on behalf of Architecture and Design Services.
We have the capability to design everything and to invent and lead the technology we create.
We are more than just architects and designers; we are also engineers dedicated to developing cutting-edge technologies.
GDN: If you need to give some examples to show how MASK architects invent technology and how we integrate them in our projects ?
Öznur Pınar Çer and Danilo Petta: We have created many World-First Innovations by MASK Architects: Pioneering Sustainable Design and Technology. Our projects often integrate cutting-edge technologies, like Air to Water Technology, hydrogen technology and the EXOSTEEL construction system, reflecting their commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Exosteel Construction System: MASK architects developed the world’s first steel 3D-printed “exoskeleton” construction system. This technique, known as “EXOSTEEL,” supports and distributes all functional elements of the building. The system was first implemented in their modular prefabricated living houses in Sardinia, Italy. This method allows for expandable, flexible, and self-sustaining modules that can adapt to various terrains.
Air-to-Water Technology for Eco-Tourism: They designed the world’s first eco-tourism resort in Africa that produces its own water from air. This technology, used in the Baobab Safari Resort project, captures moisture from the air and converts it into drinking water using condensation and solar energy. This project aims to create a self-sufficient community that can support local agriculture and provide sustainable living solutions.
ONYX H2-BO 85 Yacht: MASK Architects introduced the world’s first yacht capable of producing hydrogen onboard using seawater. The 85-meter hydrogen-powered ONYX H2-BO 85 project represents a significant step towards sustainable maritime travel, providing a green and sustainable fuel alternative.
Mistic Cooling System in Abu Dhabi: Another notable innovation is the Mistic Cooling System integrated into modular palm structures. This system reduces the heat island effect, making it particularly effective in hot climates like Abu Dhabi.
Private Mansion with a Vertically Movable and Rotatable Tower: They also unveiled the world’s first private mansion featuring a tower that is both vertically movable and rotatable. This unique design element adds a dynamic and functional aspect to luxury living spaces.
These projects exemplify MASK architects’ commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable and functional design, setting new standards in the field of architecture and engineering.
GDN: Could you discuss your favorite architectural project that you feel best exemplifies MASK Architects’ approach to combining aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability?
Öznur Pınar Çer and Danilo Petta: We have created the world’s first Eco-Tourism-based Baobab Luxury Safari Resort in Africa, pioneering a sustainable design that autonomously generates its own water using Air-to-Water technology, powered by transparent solar devices embedded in curtain glass. This innovative project aims to merge luxury with sustainability, addressing critical needs by providing accessible water in a region where it is often scarce. Beyond offering a unique and beautiful safari experience, the resort seeks to tackle environmental and humanitarian challenges by ensuring that water—a fundamental resource—becomes accessible to all, not just a luxury.
The design integrates cutting-edge technology and thoughtful architecture to support both the local community and broader environmental goals.
An 85-meter hydrogen-powered superyacht, the ONYX H2-BO 85 is the world’s first yacht capable of producing hydrogen onboard using seawater. This revolutionary vessel combines luxury with sustainability, featuring an innovative hydrogen production system that utilizes electrolysis powered by hydroelectric turbines.
By harnessing seawater to generate hydrogen, the yacht eliminates local emissions and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, offering significant long-term cost savings. The ‘ONYX H2-BO 85’ showcases modern elegance and unparalleled comfort, setting new standards in eco-conscious maritime design and positioning itself as a leader in the industry’s shift towards greener practices.
MASK Architects’ innovative “Oasys+System,” an artificial breathing palm modular structure, has been honored as one of ten winners in the Cool Abu Dhabi competition, which attracted over 1,570 participants from 67 countries. This design addresses urban heat islands and climate change in Abu Dhabi by creating a modular oasis in the city center. Inspired by palm leaves, ‘Oasys’ offers a blend of technology and aesthetics to enhance outdoor comfort. The system features misting nozzles, solar energy harvesting, and noise and wind protection, transforming public spaces into cooler, eco-friendly environments. With modular scalability and flexible installation, ‘Oasys’ aims to create a network of vibrant, sustainable urban hubs across Abu Dhabi.
GDN: What are the current challenges you face with your projects at Mask Architects, and how do you see the role of architects and designers evolving in the future?”
Öznur Pınar Çer and Danilo Petta: The biggest challenge we face today is thinking beyond the present—pushing the boundaries of design and innovation to address not only today’s problems but also those of the future. At Mask Architects, our projects are driven by innovative ideas and problem-solving inventions aimed at a future we anticipate. However, it’s not always easy for everyone to fully grasp our forward-thinking ideology.
When we design, whether it’s a yacht or an architectural structure, we don’t just solve immediate aesthetic and functional challenges. We address issues that may arise in the future, embedding solutions that are ahead of their time. Our work is more than design; it’s inventing with a futuristic mindset.
This approach often puts us ahead of the curve, making it challenging for some clients and audiences to fully understand our vision. For example, our Oasys + System is not just a canopy or urban structure—it’s an innovation aimed at reducing the heat island effect.
As you can see, our designs are not only aesthetic problem-solvers; they address today’s human needs by creating comfortable zones for users, while also thinking ahead to reduce the impacts of climate change.
One of our key roles at Mask Architects is to open new perspectives and pathways for the future through our innovative ideas and inventions within our projects. Even if these concepts take time to build or realize, they are essential to our ongoing mission.
Our work is about continuously moving forward, running toward the future without deviating from our mission, ideology, or aims under these disciplines. This is intrinsic to our nature—it’s the very identity of Mask Architects.
We believe that the role of architects and designers today must evolve. It’s no longer enough to meet today’s responsibilities; we must exceed them, anticipating and solving the problems of tomorrow. This conviction drives us to redefine what it means to be an architect or designer.
We are changing the name and scope of these professions by embracing a responsibility that extends beyond the present. Another example is our Baobab Safari Resort Project, which is not only a luxury modular living structure but also a solution to the water scarcity problem in the community, producing water for its own location and addressing a critical human need.
Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our mission. We know what we need to do as Mask Architects—standing out from other firms by embracing our unique approach.
Our ideology is unshakeable, and we continue to cultivate and discover the future, starting with the present.
GDN: How do you envision the future of architecture, and what role do you see MASK Architects playing in shaping that future?
Öznur Pınar Çer and Danilo Petta: At MASK Architects, we see ourselves as much more than just architects and designers. In today’s rapidly evolving world, the future of architecture demands a multidisciplinary approach that transcends traditional roles. We believe that to truly innovate and lead in this field, it’s essential to integrate a wide range of expertise, from technological development to creative design. Our talent lies in pushing the boundaries of technology, driving advancements from macro-scale infrastructure down to micro-scale innovations.
We are committed to living in the present while designing for the future, and this forward-thinking mindset is at the core of everything we do. We understand that simply meeting the aesthetic and functional needs of today is not enough. To shape the future, we must be more than just creators of buildings and spaces—we must also be inventors, engineers, and visionaries. This belief is what sets us apart from other design studios. Our role goes beyond traditional architectural practices; we are dedicated to inventing new technologies and integrating them into our projects, whether they be industrial or architectural.
Our approach is holistic, combining the latest advancements in technology with sustainable practices and human-centric design. We aim to create environments that not only respond to the challenges of our time but also anticipate the needs of the future. By continually evolving our design philosophies and techniques, we strive to lead the industry in creating innovative, impactful solutions that improve the quality of life on every scale.
In essence, we don’t just design buildings; we design the future. And to do this, we recognize that being architects and designers alone is not enough.
We must be pioneers, pushing the envelope of what’s possible in architecture and design.
Our mission is to invent, integrate, and inspire—creating a future where architecture is not just a passive backdrop, but an active participant in shaping a better world.
This longer answer thoroughly captures your vision and the unique role MASK Architects plays in the industry, emphasizing your multidisciplinary approach, technological innovation, and forward-thinking design philosophy.
GDN: How do you define the role of architecture in addressing today’s global challenges, and how does MASK Architects contribute to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future?
Öznur Pınar Çer and Danilo Petta: As MASK Architects, for us, the meaning of architecture goes far beyond aesthetic considerations. Architecture today is about solving problems, addressing challenges, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through the invention of new technological ideas. Our role is to reimagine and reshape this discipline, turning it into a dynamic, problem-solving force that can respond to the evolving needs of our world.its not only today’s problems but also solving future requests we will share in future.
We believe that architecture should be about innovation and impact. It’s about identifying the challenges that society faces—whether they are environmental, social, or technological—and developing creative solutions that go beyond traditional design. Our work involves not just designing buildings or spaces, but also inventing new technologies and approaches that can transform how we live, work, and interact with our environment.
But our mission doesn’t stop there. We recognize that architecture has the power to impact social issues, including poverty and human rights. We are dedicated to designing spaces and developing technologies that help people equally, providing opportunities for a better quality of life for all. By integrating principles of equity and sustainability into our work, we aim to create a future where architecture is a tool for positive change on both a global and local scale.
Ultimately, our challenge as architects is to find solutions that not only meet the demands of today but also contribute to a more just and sustainable world. Through our inventions and our forward-thinking approach, we strive to make architecture a force for good, addressing the needs of the planet and its people equally.
By taking on this role, we aim to redefine what architecture can be. We see it as a discipline that must constantly evolve, integrating multidisciplinary knowledge and pioneering ideas to address the complex demands of today and tomorrow. In this way, we’re not just contributing to the field of architecture—we’re giving it a new shape, one that is deeply rooted in innovation, technology, and a commitment to solving real-world problems.
MASK Architects have won multiple awards such as the 2024 Green Good Design by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. Award for the ONYX H2-BO 85. They have also won a 2023 Future House Award for their Eagle Masion Signature Villa by Global Design News and The Chicago Athenaeum Museum for Architecture and Design.