Carmelo Zappulla, Italian architect and PhD from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, is founder and director of External Reference. Under his leadership, the studio has stood out for its innovative approach to design and the exploration of new forms and constructive solutions in the field of digital fabrication, which is reflected in the numerous and diverse innovative projects developed over more than 15 years of activity of the firm. His works have been exhibited at the Biennale di Venezia, the MAXXI Museum, Expo Dubai 2020, Dubai Design Week, Madrid Design Festival, and Milano Design Week, among others. In the academic field, Zappulla collaborates with international schools and institutions of architecture. Currently, he is the director of the Master in Design at LCI Barcelona and professor of architectural design at IAAC Barcelona. And for 7 years, he was the director of the Master in Interior Architecture at IED.
External Reference, led by Carmelo Zappulla, is a multidisciplinary studio that transforms spaces into emotional experiences through architecture and design. Founded in 2007, it has carried out international projects in various fields: urban interventions, retail, hospitality, exhibition and product design. The studio stands out for its focus on innovation and technological research, inspired by contemporary art, science and philosophy. Among its most relevant projects are the Nova Bocana waterfront (Barcelona), the Spain Pavilion at the Dubai 2020 Expo, the WOW marketplace in Madrid, stores such as Presentedby and Pinko in Rome, and restaurants such as Alkimia and Casa Moritz. In addition, they have developed the Pure Plants, 3D purifying sculptures awarded internationally with the Ro Plastic Prize for their innovative and sustainable approach.
