Studio

At uau studio we see architecture as more than just “making” buildings; it's about creating environments that resonate with people and their surroundings. All our projects aim to become part of an ecosystem, promoting sustainability and harmony.

uau studio integrates architecture and experiential design to shape spaces that encourage interaction and engagement, connecting people to environments, their narratives, and the experiences they offer.

Founded by Gianluca Santosuosso and headquartered in Como, Italy, the studio partners with a broad spectrum of clients worldwide, including brands, local communities, cultural organisations, and private individuals. We are committed to designing spaces that enhance the human experience by fostering a deeper connection with nature and communities. This richness is evident in each of our projects.

(01)

uncommon

uau or u̯àu is the Italian pronunciation of WOW, inspired by the strong sense of surprise and wide-eyed wonder often found in comic book onomatopoeias. This energy drives our design journey, just like the expression itself, encouraging us to spark surprise, promote unconventionality, and discovery. That’s why time plays a crucial role in our design process, which goes beyond merely constructing walls and roofs; we tell stories, forge connections, and create environments that inspire.

(02)

Architectural

Our belief is in shifting from a human-centric to an ecocentric architecture. Traditionally, buildings have been designed around human needs. We now incorporate new variables into our methods: ecosystems, communities, climate, energy, material life-cycles, and, of course, people. We aim to create buildings that function as integrated units, incorporating all the variables of an ecosystem, where human presence nurtures, enriches, and benefits the ecosystem as a part of it.

(03)

Units

Our projects function as units within a greater ecosystem, reflecting a process that balances sustainability, innovation, and emotional impact. Each unit is not only a building but a living part of its surroundings, shaped by the interplay of environmental, social, and material factors.

Let's create a masterpiece together

Let's collaborate and craft an unforgettable journey. Connect now.

(Statistics)

(Projects)

50+

We’ve brought over 50 projects to life, from homes and retail spaces to expo pavilions and schools. Each one is a building block in our growing creative vision.

(Clients)

80+

Grateful to have worked with over 100 clients worldwide, turning shared visions into lasting design partnerships..

(Commitment)

110%

Our commitment exceeds limits—110% dedicated to creating responsible architecture that goes beyond boundaries.

(Passion)

100%

Every project is driven by 100% passion, bringing authentic emotion and purpose to our work.

People

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founder | architecture | design

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Gianluca Santosuosso

Gianluca studied building engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin, and did a Master in Self-Sufficient Building at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia. With a strong focus on eco-architecture and experiential design, both in physical and hybrid environments (VR, AR and, more recently in the Metaverse). He has worked for a variety of international design firms including: ecoLogicStudio and Freeman in London, Carlo Ratti Associati in Turin, MDLab in Munich. Gianluca is currently based in Como (Italy).

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architecture

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Gaia Cambri

Gaia studied architecture at the Accademia di Mendrisio in Switzerland, USI. She specialises in residential project. Gaia has worked in many international firms such as Studio Fuksas in Paris, Eric Chavoix in Mauritius, Progetto CMR in Beijing and Klotz Asociados in Santiago de Chile. Gaia is currently based in Milan.

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architecture

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Mateusz Sak

Mateusz studied Interior Design at the University of the Arts in Poznań, Poland, and then pursued a master’s degree in Interior and Spatial Design at the Politecnico di Milano in Italy. In addition to his primary focus on interior architecture, he continually expands his skills in motion design and scenography. Mateusz is currently based in Como, Italy.

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communication | marketing

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Martina Galbo

Martina studied Fashion Styling & Communication at IED Milano, and did a Master in Luxury and Fashion Management at 24ore Business School. She has worked in many international communication agencies, where she became passionate about brand storytelling and now she is focusing on the design and architecture fields. Martina is currently based in Milan

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(

architecture

)

Matteo Mornata

Matteo studied Architecture at the Politecnico di Milano, earning a Master’s degree in Building Construction. He is a licensed architect registered with the Order of Architects of Monza and is engaged in ongoing design research on the relationship between architecture, life, and nature. He is currently based in Monza.

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(

architecture intern

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Rania Ahmed Hanafy Mohamed

Rania studied Architecture at Helwan University in Egypt and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design at Politecnico di Milano in Italy. Alongside her academic focus, she continues to expand her skills in parametric design and scientific research. Rania is currently based in Milan, Italy.

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four-legged assistants

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Resi, Mango & Tolo

Resi handles office alerts with enthusiasm (and volume), Mango is the head of snack diplomacy and cuddle distribution, while Tolo masters deep thinking and strategic napping.

(Past collaborators)

Sara Giovinazzo

(

communication | marketing

)

Agne Vasiliauskaite

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interior design

)

Giulia Pozzoli

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architecture