5 minutes with Marilu Sicoli

Marilu Sicoli is a senior partner who joined the practice in 1997. She has worked on a number of international projects including the Singapore Supreme Court, Capella Resort in Singapore, ENEL Power Pylons in Italy, Masdar City and more recently, the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi.

Marilu talks about her early experiences at Foster + Partners, her love for New York City and the one thing she always carries with her.

Earliest memory at Foster + Partners

I was studying at Cranfield University, where the practice had – rather fortuitously – designed a new library, when I decided to write a letter to David Nelson expressing my admiration for the building. The following week, I received a reply from him asking me to visit the London studio for an interview! When I got here, I was immediately taken by the energy and vibrancy of the studio. The rest, as they say, is history.

A standout project

I’ll give you a shortlist of three:

• Singapore Supreme Court – it being a civic symbol for the city. I learnt so much about the mechanics and ceremonial processes of the court. It was a real education.
• Capella Resort – as one of the first leisure projects I worked on at the practice. It gave me a good grounding for the leisure projects we are working on in the Red Sea region.
• Zayed National Museum – this project, which is still ongoing, has everything – sustainability, cultural symbolism, history, and hospitality.

A mentor

Again, three people come to mind.

• Norman Foster, whom I have had the privilege of working with on some great projects.
• Gerard Evenden, who has always provided me with strong support and guidance.
• David Nelson, someone whom I have worked with since day one at the practice.

What is your favourite city to visit? 

New York City – I have a great affinity for the city, its energy and vibrancy.

Where do you call home?

I’d have to say London, as I’ve lived here longer than anywhere else in the world. But New York is also worth a mention. Whenever I visit, I instantly feel connected to it. It might be because my hometown of Messina is one of the rare examples of an Italian city built on a similar orthogonal grid (following a devastating tsunami in 1908).

A hidden gem in your neighbourhood

Wandsworth Common, my local park is my favourite place to chill on the weekend.

A city we should learn from

Copenhagen, its growth over the centuries has been guided incredibly sensitively. It has retained its character and charm yet is an incredibly modern city.

Your favourite building to visit?

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen. I remember the museum from my days as a student in the city, its courtyard is filled with exotic plants – an early example of biophilia. It was also great place to go in the middle of winter when it was -15 degrees Celsius outside, and you could be comforted by the soothing warmth of a tropical forest indoors!

Early bird or night owl?

Always a night owl – I often joke that although I live in London, I am naturally attuned to the time zone in New York!

One thing you can’t live without

My 0.9 yellow mechanical pencil. I always carry multiple backups in my bag.

Where will you be this weekend?

Saturday: flying back from a client presentation in China. Sunday: mostly spending time with my daughter, Vivi.