Alessandro Ripellino arrived in Sweden in 1982, eventually becoming a licensed architect in both his home country of Italy and his adopted nation. Since 1992, he has co-led the Stockholm-based firm Rosenbergs Arkitekter, managing diverse portfolios that range from urban master planning and high-rise civic developments to specialized interior and lighting design projects.
Education and Early Career
Born in Rome in 1957 to author Angelo Maria Ripellino and Ela Hlochóva, Ripellino pursued architectural studies at the University of Rome under professors M.L. Anversa and L. Thermes. During this period, he earned a scholarship to the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, hosted by Professor Bengt Hidemark. Upon graduating, he returned to Sweden to work with architect Lennart Bergström. He subsequently joined Rosenberg & Stål Arkitektkontor, where he eventually became a partner alongside Inga Varg.
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Ripellino’s professional output encompasses large-scale urban development, including the Västra City and Täby Parkstad projects. He has led notable building initiatives such as the Lindhagsskrapan high-rise in Stockholm’s Kvarteret Lusten district and the Rica Talk Hotel located near the Stockholmsmässan exhibition halls. Additionally, he managed the design for Bankhus 90, the Rissne office facility for the Nordic bank SEB, as well as the Ericsson micro-electronics factory in Kista and the interior design for Hotel Birger Jarl.
Lighting, Furniture, and Creative Development
Beyond his structural architecture work, Ripellino maintains an active practice in product design, focusing on lighting fixtures and furniture. In 1993, his Stockholmspendel light fixture received the Utmärkt Svensk Form award from the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design. Since 1998, he has directed the ongoing architectural development of the Stockholmsmässan complex. In 2009, he proposed the Stockholmsfyren, a project intended to be the tallest residential high-rise in Stockholm.
Recognition and Professional Standing
Ripellino has received numerous accolades for his technical and aesthetic contributions. In 2012, he won the International Galvanizing Award for the AE-Hallen section of Stockholmsmässan. His work on the Rica Talk Hotel earned the 2008 Glasbranschförengingen glaspris and the 2006 Stockholm Region Heritage Federation architecture award, alongside a prize for lighting design from Svenska Belysningssällskapet. He frequently serves as a jury member for architectural competitions and lectures on urban planning.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Rome
- Citizenship: Sweden
- Professional debut in Sweden: 1982
- Firm: Rosenbergs Arkitekter
- Languages spoken: Italian, Swedish, English, French, Czech
- Notable work: Rica Talk Hotel
Questions readers ask
Where did Alessandro Ripellino receive his architectural training?
He studied at the University of Rome and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden.
What is the name of the firm Ripellino co-leads?
He co-owns and leads Rosenbergs Arkitekter with Inga Varg.
