LAP Architettura

The studio LAP architettura is deeply rooted in Abruzzo, a region that daily inspires its vision and mission. It stands as a participatory architecture atelier, basing every project on interaction with the territory and the involvement of local communities. Today, with a team of around 15 professionals under 40, 50% of whom are women, the studio stands out for its commitment to the revitalization and development of the territory and rural areas, as well as for the design of works with distinctive design and a forward-thinking vision.
The founding partners, Daniel Caramanico, Federico Sorgi, and Simone Esposito, began their collaboration during their studies at the University of L'Aquila. After the 2009 earthquake, they co-founded the ViviamoLAQ association to contribute to the city's rebirth.

This period of activism inspired their solidarity-based and participatory approach, which continues to drive the studio's activities. Among the first projects is Parcobaleno, a multifunctional playground made from materials salvaged from the earthquake, a tangible example of how regeneration can leverage cooperation and reuse. During these years, they collaborated with Renzo Piano on the construction of the Auditorium del Parco, while one of the partners joined the G124 group led by the Architect as a life senator.
The turning point for LAP architettura came with the Scuola dei Desideri in Pacentro, designed in collaboration with Mario Cucinella's MC A studio. This project allowed the studio to consolidate its method based on the active participation of communities and the centrality of people and administrators in the design process.
Since then, LAP has embraced the idea of custom, handcrafted, and community-based architecture, capable of responding to local needs and fostering social relations. Designing thus becomes a moment to weave bonds and strengthen relationships.

Participatory architecture is at the heart of LAP's method: every project begins with listening and involving local communities. This vision aligns perfectly with the Abruzzo context, characterized by small urban centers and social realities tied to traditions. In Abruzzo, LAP collaborates with over 50 administrations, supporting them in obtaining national and European funding and realizing significant public works.
The studio is specializing in school architecture, with 18 schools built across Italy, 12 of which are in Abruzzo. Designing schools for LAP means contributing to the growth of new generations, with the awareness that the quality of educational spaces has a significant impact on the educational path of young people, requiring a multidisciplinary approach that spans pedagogy, landscape studies, and of course, architecture.

LAP architettura is also involved in projects promoting tourism and cultural development, such as the Ponte sul Cielo in Pizzoferrato and the Open-Air Museum in San Pio Delle Camere, as well as family spaces like Talea in Ripa Teatina and the anti-violence center La Casa dei Mandarini in Santa Maria Imbaro, which originates from a property confiscated from organized crime. Numerous public space redevelopment projects, such as squares and parks in Guardiagrele, Pretoro, and Scafa, are also part of the IMPATTO.0 project in the Lavino Park.

The studio has undertaken numerous social housing initiatives, redeveloping buildings in the province of Chieti with a constant focus on environmental sustainability and social well-being. Since 2023, LAP architettura has launched a series of meetings called Legami d'Architettura, held in Pescara, featuring prominent guests not only in the field of architecture but also in related disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary dialogues. In the same year, the studio inaugurated SOUx, the architecture school for children in Pescara.

Additionally, the studio actively collaborates with the Faculty of Architecture at the G. D'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, contributing to the education of young professionals and participating in shared research projects, further strengthening its commitment to promoting academic and professional development at the local level.

In 2024, LAP was selected to curate the prestigious Mostra dell'Artigianato Artistico Abruzzese in Guardiagrele, creating the installation T rame d i L uce, a work that intertwines art and architecture, enhancing Abruzzo's artisanal tradition. LAP architettura is currently engaged in the revitalization of small Abruzzo towns, demonstrating how good architecture can contribute to creating inclusive, sustainable, and
participatory spaces. The collaboration with local communities and administrations, involving over 50 municipalities, is a testament to the deep connection the studio has with the territory, a bond that strengthens with every new project.