Matteo Thun receives Honorary Award by DNP – German Sustainability Award

Posted in News on 25 November, 2024

Matteo Thun (*1952) in Bolzano, Italy, is an internationally renowned architect and designer known for his pioneering approaches to sustainable architecture and ecological design. With his deep commitment to environmental awareness, material innovation and circular construction methods, he has established himself as one of the most influential personalities in today’s design world.

Thun studied architecture at the University of Florence and began his career in the design world as a co-founder of the legendary Memphis Group, which revolutionized industrial design in the 1980s. He distinguished himself early on through his creative use of forms and materials, but it was his consistent commitment to sustainable architecture that made him internationally renowned.

In 1984, he founded Matteo Thun & Partners Studio, which focuses on environmentally friendly projects. Thun’s work combines tradition and modernity by incorporating natural materials into innovative design concepts, creating buildings that blend harmoniously into their surroundings.

One of his most important projects in the field of sustainable architecture is the Vigilius Mountain Resort (2003) in South Tyrol. This car-free hotel at 1,500 meters is considered a masterpiece of ecological construction. It was built entirely from sustainable materials such as larch wood and stone and is only accessible by cable car, which minimizes the resort’s ecological footprint. The building is also designed to be energy efficient and uses renewable energy sources.

At the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa (2015) in Venice, Thun combined modern elegance with ecological sensitivity. The resort was designed with respect for the surrounding nature and historic architecture. It uses local materials and techniques that are typical of the region and utilizes sustainable energy concepts.

A hotel resort, The Langham Venice, is currently being built on Murano near Venice, which includes the restoration of the 16th century Casino Mocenigo and its original frescoes as well as the redesign of the industrial glass factory buildings from the 20th century.

For Matteo Thun, redesigning and renovating dilapidated existing buildings is a central part of the concept of sustainability. On Lake Garda, Matteo Thun & Partners designed the Villa Eden project; another hotel project on Lake Garda in Salò is in the planning stage.

The Waldkliniken Eisenberg (2020) in Germany is an example of Thun’s “human-centered design” with a focus on the healing effects of nature. The clinic was designed as an energy-efficient building that uses natural materials and a circular construction method. It has been designed to support patients in the recovery process through its tranquil, natural environment.

In addition to these projects, Thun gained particular recognition for his pioneering role in the field of “zero-kilometre design”, a philosophy that promotes the use of local and sustainable materials to minimize the ecological footprint of buildings. He has implemented these principles in numerous international projects, from hotels and office buildings to hospitals and residential complexes, all of which meet the highest ecological standards. Matteo Thun is considered a pioneer of the green building movement, and his works are characterized not only by their aesthetics, but also by their durability and energy efficiency.

Matteo Thun has been awarded the German Sustainability Award for his outstanding achievements in the field of sustainable architecture and his tireless pursuit of an environmentally friendly future. His contribution to the design of sustainable construction not only inspires his industry, but also makes a significant contribution to overcoming global environmental and climate challenges.

The award ceremony for Matteo Thun will take place as part of the German Sustainability Day, November 29th, 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

About German Sustainability Award
The German Sustainability Award is the national award for excellence in sustainability in all sectors. With six competitions, including one for health for the first time, over 1,300 applicants and 3,000 guests at the events, the award is the largest of its kind in Europe. The award is presented by the Stiftung Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis e.V. (German Sustainability Award Foundation) in cooperation with the German government, municipal umbrella organizations, business associations, civil society organizations and research institutions. The award ceremony is held at the German Sustainability Day in Düsseldorf, the most visited annual communication platform on the subject of sustainable development.