Underscoring the important connection between design and wellness, Antonio Citterio, the architect and visionary behind the design of Technogym Village – the 2018 Global Wellness Summit venue – will be a keynote at this year’s conference in Cesena, Italy, set to take place 6-8 October.

Citterio is co-founder of the multi-disciplinary design practice of Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, which works in architectural, interior and urban design. The firm’s projects include residential and commercial complexes, corporate headquarters and hotels – including all Bulgari Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

Citterio is also renowned for his understated and enduring human-centric product design for brands like Hermès, the Hansgrohe Group’s luxury brand Axor, and Technogym.

“There is an increasing awareness that our surroundings affect our well-being and ‘building well to live well’ has become a distinct rallying call,” said Susie Ellis, chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit. “Antonio Citterio is a global superstar in this arena. Italy is famous for its outstanding and forward-thinking design, and Antonio is the personification of this well-deserved accolade. He will inspire and delight Summit delegates.”

Citterio has been awarded the Compasso d’Oro-ADI twice, and his creations are included in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection in New York. He was also a professor of Architectural Design at the Mendrisio Academy of Architecture in Switzerland for 10 years.

“I am passionate about addressing the audience at the Global Wellness Summit and sharing my ideas about the future of design and how it will impact wellness,” said Citterio. “Since 2000, our firm has worked to design healthy environments at hospitality venues and in workplaces, such as the Technogym Village, as well as create designs for fitness equipment. The Summit is the ideal conference to discuss why designing for health and wellness is of such importance.”

Technogym founder and president Nerio Alessandri said: "Antonio Citterio is with no doubts among the most prominent architects in the world. Over the years, Antonio has also become a wellness expert, since alongside his many prestigious appointments both in architecture and industrial design, he has cooperated with Technogym and designed the Technogym Village and our Personal Collection products. I look forward to welcoming delegates to the 2018 Global Wellness Summit, where they will be able to connect with his vision on wellness design."