Diletta is passionate about people-centric architecture and committed to understanding and prioritizing human needs and experiences in every aspect of design.
She is particularly interested in applying people-centric design principles to later living environments with the aim of creating spaces that not only meet the practical needs of older adults, but also promote their overall happiness, health, and quality of life while remaining visually pleasing. With this mindset and skills, she has become our Head of Later Living.
What is the current big trend in your sector?
There are big conversations around Integrated Retirement Communities (IRC’s) that target a slightly younger demographic and focus on lifestyle, an intergenerational approach and the creation of a wider sense of community. This links into a big focus on wellness and mental health being created through place, as these communities help those living there foster social connections and avoid isolation.
What are the key challenges that affect your sector, or are likely to in the next five years?
The biggest challenge at the moment is building a successful model that can stick up financially and compete with other residential types while remaining true to who and why it was designed for.
There are some technical challenges as well, such as promoting low-carbon design, balancing budget and performance, and persuading clients to embrace biophilic design principles. I am hopeful that as we move towards zero carbon there will be an appreciation on how this can impact positively on operating costs and residents’ fees.
What is your proudest moment?
Career-wise, that would be now, becoming Head of Later Living! In personal life, seeing the heartbeat of my son at my 8 weeks scan. Some projects take long time in the making but are very rewarding.
If you weren’t in this career, what would you be?
A chef or a detective, probably an overweight detective! I really love food – I am quite a stereotypical Italian in that regards.
What does inclusion mean to you?
It’s about making sure everybody can contribute to a conversation regardless of their situation in life. This is easier said than done as it requires a paradigm shift in society, but it is happening somewhat organically, just a little bit slower than I would have liked.
From a person that had many long conversations with people living with Alzheimer’s, it is all about adapting communication to different levels. Different groups will have different challenges. As architects, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to create environments that facilitate interaction and avoid segregation.
Interesting fact that nobody knows about you?
I have participated in creating two books on the evolution of the Roman ‘Palazzina’, a popular residential typology that spanned a long time, with a focus on 1950s examples. Sadly, these books are not translated in English and very much just for the fans of the genre!
Industry bodies or memberships.
- ARB
- RIBA
Awards
- Alton Road, Best Scheme in Planning (+30), National Housing Awards 2019 (while at JM Architects).
