Giancarlo Zema Design Group

The Giancarlo Zema Design Group (GZDG) is an innovative architecture firm based in Rome. The studio aims to develop smart eco-sustainable projects, intelligent infrastrutture, self-sufficient floating habitats, intriguing yacht and interior design. Founded in 2001 by the architect and entrepreneur Giancarlo Zema as a dynamic and flexible organisation, it covers the entire design process, from concept to the executive details.

The main characteristics of our emotional design are soft lines that clearly recall biomorphic forms. We believe that only when architecture and design blend with each other, something new has been created. With our work group, we research, develop and combine the best technologies available on the global market, enriching our projects with highly innovative systems and contents, becoming pioneers in the various design sectors.

The (GZDG) uses advanced technologies and design software, which allow us to project and calculate different planning solutions. With the use of sophisticated computer-aided design systems, we can create 3D models, prospective views and renderings, producing a full layout presentation. This offers the client all the necessary information on the project before the realization.

Our projects are frequently shown in international exhibitions, TV programmes and published in the most important architecture, design, nautical and scientific magazines and books. In 2002 the famous American Popular Mechanics magazine dedicated the front cover to the Trilobis (hydrogen eco-yacht), defining it as “the most innovative project of the last ten years”. In 2004 the prestigious English nautical magazine Captain’s Log, described the Jelly-Fish (floating home with underwater view) as the best project that represented “the Italian Marine Scene” dedicating a splendid front cover to it. In the same year The Sunday Times wrote about our work as “design in the brave new waterworld” and The New York Times defined it as “the new design of aquatic life”. In 2015 Forbes describes our WaterNest (solar-powered floating habitat) an eco-conscious, high-tech luxury home that floats and in 2016 the Japanese Solar Journal featured it on the cover.

In 2022 the (GZDG) wins the prestigious Chicago Athenaeum GREEN GOOD DESIGN AWARDS with its Baobab, Eco-Vertiport into Green Trasportation Category and with the Green Island, ANAS charging hub for Smart Roads into Green Architecture Category. In 2023 wins again the GREEN GOOD DESIGN Sustainability Awards with the Smart Road Center for ANAS, the BUILD Architecture Awards in UK and the GLOBAL FUTURE DESIGN Awards in USA, confirming the (GZDG) internationally as one of the most innovative and green architecture firms. Our projects are exhibited by cultural institutions including La Triennale Milan Design Museum, The Venice Biennale, Ara Pacis Museum, Farnesina Design, that recognize our bold creativity and profound innovative strength.