Francesco Sacconi is a Project Lead Architect at External Reference, where he oversees the design and development of innovative architectural and retail experiences. With a strong focus on narrative-driven design and spatial experimentation, he has successfully led projects such as Plaza Mahou in Madrid, Crep Protect in Manchester, or the CAAA Lucerna Restaurant. His work bridges architecture, technology, and narrative, creating spaces that engage people on multiple levels.
External Reference is a multidisciplinary studio dedicated to transforming spaces into emotional experiences through architecture and design. Since its founding in 2007, the firm has carried out international projects across a wide range of fields, including urban interventions, architecture, retail, hospitality, exhibition, and product design. The studio approaches each project with a strong focus on innovation and technological research, drawing inspiration from diverse external sources such as contemporary art, science, and philosophy. Notable projects include the new seafront of Nova Bocana on Barcelona's coast; the exhibition route of the Spain Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020; the phygital marketplace WOW in Madrid; gastronomic spaces such as the restaurants Alkimia and Casa Moritz; cutting-edge brand concept spaces like VICIO and La Manso; as well as one of its most recent research and design initiatives: Pure Plants, a family of 3D-printed purifying sculptures, winner of the international Ro Plastic Prize.
