System-Inventing Architects Join the 9th Golden Trezzini Jury
The Organizing Committee of the Golden Trezzini Awards proudly announces the appointment of Öznur Pınar Çer and Danilo Petta, founders of Italy-based MASK Architects, to the international jury of its 9th edition.
Bringing together more than 200 experts from 35 countries, the Golden Trezzini jury represents one of the most distinguished global platforms dedicated to Architecture as Art. The inclusion of MASK Architects reflects the evolving understanding of this philosophy — positioning architecture not only as cultural expression but as integrated intelligence and system technology.
MASK Architects is a system-inventing innovation firm integrating proprietary technologies into architecture, design, and climate systems. Founded in 2020 in Sardinia, Italy, by Öznur Pınar Çer and Danilo Petta, the firm operates as a system-originating architectural and design laboratory. It develops technologies across renewable energy systems, climate-responsive envelopes, adaptive infrastructures, and large-scale landmark projects — conceiving architecture and design as living, intelligent systems rather than static objects.
In 2023, the firm received the Golden Trezzini Statuette for Baobab Safari Resort — the world’s first atmospheric water-generating hospitality ecosystem designed for climate-sensitive regions of Africa. The project introduced a new typology of environmentally autonomous architecture. Today, as jury members, the founders return not only as laureates but as contributors shaping the next cycle of architectural excellence.
Both founders are recipients of the prestigious Europe 40 Under 40 distinction by The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. Danilo Petta was honored in 2020–2021, while Öznur Pınar Çer received the distinction in 2023–2024 — underscoring their individual international recognition across different cycles of the program.
Operating beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries, Öznur Pınar Çer and Danilo Petta function as unified architectural and design system authors. Their work transcends the traditional separation between architecture, engineering, and design, constructing spatial ecosystems in which technology, environmental intelligence, structural precision, and cultural expression evolve simultaneously.
Across scales — from experimental prototypes and adaptive living systems to museum-scale cultural institutions and energy-integrated landmarks — their projects are defined by the seamless integration of performance and identity. Technology is not applied to architecture; it is embedded within its conceptual and structural core.
As one of jury members, Öznur Pınar Çer is a Turkish architect, inventor, designer, and strategist who has advanced a systemic ecological design language integrating renewable energy infrastructures, environmental data, and adaptive spatial strategies into iconic architectural statements. Her research-driven methodology positions architecture as regenerative infrastructure — capable of responding to climate, context, and cultural continuity simultaneously.
Throughout his career, Danilo Petta — Italian architect, inventor, industrial designer, and strategist — has contributed to high-performance design innovation, including the creation of iconic timepieces for Bvlgari Serpenti and Jacob & Co. Astronomia, as well as horological developments recognized by the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) through his work with Parmigiani Fleurier. His mastery of complex internal systems and precision engineering informs MASK’s approach to structural intelligence and technological integration in architecture.
Together, they merge architectural and mechanical precision with ecological foresight into a unified architectural intelligence — establishing a rare authorship model in which innovation operates structurally at every scale of the built environment.
“Architecture must go beyond form,” says Danilo Petta. “It must embody intelligence, environmental responsibility, and long-term cultural impact.”
“For us, Architecture as Art is meaningful only when it functions as an intelligent and living system,” adds Öznur Pınar Çer
Serving on the Golden Trezzini jury is both an honor and a responsibility to support projects that redefine the future of the built environment..
The motto of the Golden Trezzini Awards is Architecture as Art. It remains the only international architectural award whose winning projects are incorporated into the permanent collection of the State Museum of the History of St Petersburg, establishing a direct link between contemporary architectural innovation and cultural legacy.
The winners of the 9th Golden Trezzini Awards will be announced on 20 November during a Gala Ceremony in St. Petersburg.
To view the full jury panel, visit:
https://goldtrezzini.org/en/jury
Architects and designers worldwide are invited to submit their projects. Participation is free of charge.
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