Giovanni Traverso (Bolzano 1969) and Paola Vighy (Vicenza 1969) graduated in architecture from the IUAV in Venice and completed their studies with MsC in Light&Lighting at the Bartlett, University College London. In 1996 they founded the traverso-vighy studio in Vicenza, where they develop light-weight buildings and experimental projects related to the use of light. The studio's projects follow a
consistent path leading to the design of lightweight buildings, based on experimentation, prefabrication and economy of resources. Working with the local craft production they try to establish a balance between traditional knowledge and technological optimization. In recent years the focus for the environment has turned into a real effort to use sustainable technologies. In the field of lighting design traverso-vighy keeps a careful look at the sustainability thematic: their professional assignments ranges from urban-scale interventions, to the design of lighting systems dedicated to historic buildings and works of art. It also promotes cultural activities to raise awareness of the value of natural light as a compositional element of the architecture. In the 2013 the project TVZEB - Traverso Vighy Zero Energy Building won the Illumni Infinity Award in the Daylighting category. They have been teaching at the main Italian Master courses of Lighting Design (IUAV, La Sapienza) and at the School of Architecture, University of Florida (UFL). Now directing at UFL, the “Daylight Thinking” international course about daylight and sustainable design.
