studio@formsofcommons.com

FORMS OF COMMONS is an architectural practice. Its work is driven by an understanding of architecture as cultural framework—one that engages with space and form as collective means of knowledge. The project, is an opportunity to voice inputs and question what the discipline advocates for. Architectural form, is not a mere image, nor an intellectual construct, but an evolving act—something that shapes and is shaped by common legacies. FORMS OF COMMONS stands at the intersection of practice and research, where theoretical questions and field experience engage in a continuous, cross contaminating dialogue. Alongside its design and research activities, the team began teaching collectively in 2025 at the Architectural Association (AA) Summer School in London and later at the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED).

Chiara Malerba graduated in Architecture at the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio. She worked with Roz Barr Architects in London and with OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen in Brussels. Chiara is co-founder of Forms of Commons, where she combines architectural practice, research and teaching. Chiara is currently Teaching Assistant to Prof. Kersten Geers at the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio. She is also actively involved in the team’s teaching activities at the Architectural Association and the Istituto Europeo di Design.

Margherita Sorgentone is an architect and co-founder of Forms of Commons. She graduated in Architecture from the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio, and has worked with 6a architects in London, Christ & Gantenbein in Basel, and OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen in Brussels. From 2022 to 2025, Margherita was a Research Associate and Teaching Assistant at the Chair of Architecture and Construction, led by Prof. Jeannette Kuo at TUM Munich. In 2025, she began her independent teaching activities, leading a studio at the AA Summer School in London and joining the Istituto Europeo di Design as Professor.

Costanza Zeni is an architect and PhD candidate at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), where she also works as Teaching and Research Assistant to Prof. Michael Obrist. She graduated in Architecture from the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio and has collaborated with Plan Común in Santiago de Chile, Baukuh in Milan, Piovenefabi, and OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen in Brussels. Costanza is a co-founder of Forms of Commons, where her work unfolds between practice, research, and teaching. She is also involved in the team’s collective teaching activities at the Architectural Association and the Istituto Europeo di Design.