Born in Mendrisio, Switzerland in 1943, Mario Botta studied architecture at the University of Venice while simultaneously collaborating in the studios of Le Corbusier and of Louis Kahn. Prior to this, he had worked as a technical draftsman. In 1970, Botta opened his own studio in Lugano and began a prolific professional career that would bring him the most prestigious prizes. He has received commissions to construct many projects in his native Switzerland as well as in other parts of the world. The great power in his opus is clearly seen in his sensitivity for places, for building tradition, and for a rationalist geometric order.