History of LOT-EK
LOT-EK was founded by Ada Tolla and Giuseppe Lignano, they have known each other since they were 16 and both grew up in Naples, Italy. Ada and Giuseppe have been in professional practice together since 1993 (start of the LOT-EK family) and they both teach design at Colombia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP) in New York City.
Company Culture
LOT-EK creates sustainable and soulful architecture as a unique and award-winning studio by transforming industrial and infrastructural objects. They do their best to make the ordinary extraordinary. LOT-EK’s practice is experimental and ecological, but very attentive and personal in their approach to each project and each client.
In the name LOT/EK, you can hear the words low and technology. We are low in the sense that we are humble because we are always curious; but we believe in the dignity and ambition of our clients. We are low in the sense that we are thrifty and crafty; but we never compromise on comfort and performance.
Architect-US works in close contact with LOT-EK as a host company for incredibly talented architects such as Romain Dubettier-Grenier. Romain, an Architect-US J1 Visa Participant, is an aspiring architect who has been eager to apply his academic knowledge, gained at EPFL in Switzerland, to a real-world setting and learn from experienced professionals. He will be doing a 6 months Internship program at LOT-EK, and we are grateful he chose Architect-US to help with the process!
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Keep in mind LOT-EK‘s devotion to their clients and their passion for upcycle and sustainable architecture as you browse through the following selected projects.
LOT-EK Selected Projects
APAP Open School
The structure is made up of eight shipping containers set up at a 45 degree angle and combined in a fishbone pattern. The APAP Open school is placed strategically over the pedestrian walkway over Hakwoon Park, at city level right on the edge of the river bank, where it inspires and incites people to gather, rest and marvel at the gorgeous views.
Photos by LOT-EK
Drivelines Studio
LOT-EK was commissioned by Propertuity to create a live-work building in the heart of Maboneng, Johannesburg. Propertuity transformed the precinct into a hub of commercial, leisure and cultural hub, and with the help LOT-EK, also brought housing into the mix. The structure is made entirely out of ISO shipping containers, organized in a V shape that allows for an open yard with swimming pool and a sundeck.
Photos by LOT-EK
Sanlitun South Hutong
A recently constructed retail complex in Beijing features a unique layout consisting of low-rise buildings, raised walkways, bridges connecting all levels, and tiny alleyways that resemble a medieval village. LOT-EK was given the northeastern portion of the «village,» which was made up of three connected and independent structures used for dining, shopping, and event venues. The idea of LOT-EK is based on the traditional Chinese «HUTONG» typology, which is an inside urban alley that is alive with small businesses and serves as a multi-level outdoor circulation system.
Photos by LOT-EK
We will be posting more projects by LOT-EK in the upcoming weeks and months, so keep an eye out for more of their incredible work! Every Friday we will be posting a new Featured Company, so join us again next week!
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