The context
Our starting point
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The approach
Our view of plants
Scientific research unveils a fascinating world of plant behaviors and strategies that challenge traditional perceptions of the plant kingdom. This fresh perspective not only opens our eyes to the complexities of plant intelligence but also inspires us to rethink our relationship with nature, exploring how humans and plants can coexist in a symbiotic and sustainable future.
What we do
Our mission
At PNAT, we transform groundbreaking scientific knowledge about plant behavior into innovative design solutions. Our mission is to translate research into practical technologies that improve urban living conditions, focusing our efforts where they matter most: in the cities where people live.
5 core abilities
Our way of working
Plants are essential to life, forming the foundation of our planet’s survival. We envision a future where humans and nature coexist in harmony. By utilizing natural processes wisely and effectively, we aim to make research accessible and restore the true essence of sustainability, a concept too often misunderstood or misrepresented
It’s time to reimagine our cities. For too long, urban spaces have been conceived as separate from nature, forgetting that we are subject to the same natural forces as all other species. The choices we make in transforming cities in the coming years will shape our future. Cities must become fitopolises, places where plants, humans, and animals live together in harmony, reflecting the balance found in nature
Nature thrives on diversity, and we embrace the same principle. By combining expertise in science, design, technology, and botany, we address challenges at every scale. This collaborative approach allows us to achieve outstanding results, creating a dynamic and inclusive organization where every contribution aligns perfectly
We innovate with every project, discovering new ways to utilize the benefits plants provide. We design with nature, embracing a biophilic approach as essential for reimagining the spaces where we live
Our projects are based on nature and guided by science, delivering measurable and tangible results, always grounded in the idea that Nature Is the Measure of All Things—our inspiration, reference point, and goal
The team
Our think tank
We are botanists and designers working under the same roof. A diverse group of changemakers, a design studio, and an incubator of fresh ideas. Together, we are Pnat
Co-founders
Stefano Mancuso, coordinator of PNAT, is a scientist and one of the world’s foremost experts on plant science and its revolutionary applications. His pioneering research has transformed our understanding of plants, uncovering their intelligence, communication strategies, and vital role in sustaining life on Earth. A professor at the University of Florence and founder of the International Laboratory of Plant Neurobiology (LINV), Stefano has led groundbreaking studies on plant behavior and adaptation, inspiring new paradigms in science and design. Author of numerous scientific publications and internationally acclaimed books, Stefano is celebrated for his visionary contributions to sustainability and plant-based innovation. A sought-after speaker, he advocates for a profound rethinking of humanity’s relationship with plants and their essential role in shaping a sustainable, nature-centered future
Camilla Pandolfi, CEO and Chief of Research at Pnat, has over 20 years of experience in plant physiology, biomimetics, and ecophysiology. She integrates scientific expertise with technological innovation, focusing on IoT applications and nature-inspired solutions. Her work advances PNAT’s mission to create practical responses to environmental challenges. Camilla holds a PhD in Plant Physiology from the University of Florence, where she teaches courses that attract a wide range of professionals, from architects to botanists, interested in breaking disciplinary boundaries. Her international career includes research at the European Space Agency, applying biomimetic principles to space exploration, and climate change studies in Australia. Author of over 50 scientific publications, she has received prestigious accolades, including the Marie Curie Fellowship and the Endeavour Research Award, recognizing her contributions to science and innovation.
Antonio Girardi is an architect whose role at Pnat lies at the forefront of technology, sustainability, and product innovation. He directs the development of advanced solutions that merge architecture and technology, fostering innovative ways to address contemporary design challenges. His work blends scientific research, technological advancements, and creative exploration to advance Pnat mission. Antonio holds a PhD and is an adjunct professor at the University of Florence, where he teaches courses fostering collaboration among architects, biologists, and other interdisciplinary thinkers. He regularly delivers lectures and talks at conferences and academic events, contributing to global discourse on architecture, technology, and innovation. His leadership at PNAT reflects a commitment to redefining architecture’s role in creating adaptive and resilient environments.
Cristiana Favretto, Principal Architect for Design at PNAT, leads its architectural and landscape projects, seamlessly merging the built environment with the natural world. An architect who graduated from IUAV University of Venice, she was awarded a scholarship in Bio Design at the New York School for Design and Science, shaping her unique creative perspective. Cristiana uses plants and elements of nature as central tools in her design process, crafting spaces where architecture and landscape coexist harmoniously. Her work explores the dynamic interplay between human environments and natural systems, advancing PNAT’s vision of creating spaces that connect people to the living world. Through her leadership, Cristiana ensures every project reflects an inventive and sensitive approach to design, redefining how we experience and inhabit the spaces around us.
Elisa Azzarello, agronomist, is Chief of Administration at PNAT, where she plays a vital role in translating research into practical, nature-based solutions for ecological restoration. With expertise in agronomy, ecology, and landscape systems, she advances PNAT’s mission to address environmental challenges through the application of plant science. Elisa graduated in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies and holds a PhD focused on using woody species for the remediation of polluted areas. As a member of the International Laboratory of Plant Neurobiology (LINV), her research spans plant signaling, abiotic stress responses, and phytoremediation. Author of over 70 publications, Elisa has collaborated on international projects and teaches “Plants and Pollution” at the University of Florence, inspiring professionals to rethink the role of plants in environmental solutions.
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