Giacomo Mezzadri and Joana Oliveira are Mezzo Atelier, a young Italian/Portuguese architectural and design practice working both as a studio and as a practical laboratory. Since 2013, the two architects, with different professional backgrounds, run a multidisciplinary atelier developing architectural projects; interior design; temporary structures and self produced objects and furniture.

Inspired by Bauhaus’ concept of global art, their goal is to design spaces and objects as a whole, achieving a complete customisation for each project and clients. The control of each step of the design process is fundamental, working from the concept until the production and realisation of the pieces in their workshop, whenever the project’s scale makes it possible. This approach to the design practice makes it possible to depend less on third parties and develop hand-made and unique pieces. Fascinated by craftsmanship, they bring to life traditions through their contemporary pieces and associate ancient methods with new technologies.

The atelier has completed interior design projects and tailor made furniture for Base Milano – cowork & design hostel in Milan; Beer Show Bar & Store in Milan; Locanda, an italian Bistro in Amsterdam or Cafe dei Mercanti in Piacenza.
In 2015 Mezzo Atelier was commissioned by Walk&Talk public art festival to design their headquarters in Ponta Delgada, which resulted in the internationally published wooden architecture: “The Big Horn”. The partnership with the festival developed a year later when the studio was invited to co-curate their urban art circuit.

In 2016 the studio developed two temporary installation: “Walk in Cinema” for Concorto, an italian Short Film Festival and “Landscale” for Lapa in S.Miguel island. The atelier has exhibited its work during “Fuori Salone” - Milano Design Week, at Base Milano in 2016, and at Piazza XXIV Aprile at 2014. Mezzo Atelier has been invited to tutor self-construction workshops like Insitu in Trafaria, Portugal; Walk&Talk - Arts Festival in Azores and for ONG organisation Save the Children for Expo Milano in Italy.