A project that integrates seamlessly with the natural surroundings, showcasing a bold vision of sustainability and design: Mutti Canteen

Montechiarugolo, Parma, Italy

CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati (CRA), the renowned design and innovation studio, has completed Quisimangia (“Here we eat”), a new canteen and restaurant for Mutti, the global leader in tomato-based products. Located in Montechiarugolo, in the heart of Italy’s Food Valley, the project integrates seamlessly with the natural surroundings, showcasing a bold vision of sustainability and design.

Quisimangia continues the collaboration between CRA and Mutti, which began with the masterplan for a new factory and production site and the creation of The Greenary, an award-winning private residence.

The canteen’s structure is inspired by the land itself, with a dining hall crowned by a green roof made of compacted earth excavated directly from the site. This striking feature evokes the image of a clod of earth lifted from the ground, connecting the building to the agricultural identity of the region.

The dining space is housed within a recessed glass structure, placing diners at eye level with the surrounding meadow. This thoughtful design immerses visitors in the natural environment, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and landscape. The elevated roof rises five meters above ground and spans 500 square meters, while the entire project covers 1,200 square meters.

Managed by ViCook, the catering company led by Michelin-starred chefs Chicco and Bobo Cerea, Quisimangia serves dual purposes. By day, it functions as a canteen for Mutti employees, and by night, it transforms into a restaurant open to the public, building connections between work and community life.

Adjacent to the main dining area, a historic tavern visible from the road has been renovated to serve as the canteen’s kitchen. This blend of old and new enhances the project’s commitment to tradition and innovation.

The project also features a 1.1-hectare garden designed by award-winning Italian landscape architect Paolo Pejrone. Inspired by the 18th-century French concept of the “ha-ha,” the design uses hidden vertical barriers to maintain uninterrupted views of the landscape, allowing visitors to feel immersed in nature.

The garden celebrates the richness of local vegetation, creating a space that reflects the natural beauty and agricultural heritage of the region.

Quisimangia demonstrates Mutti’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. The canteen’s floor is made from over three tons of tomato skins, a byproduct of the company’s production processes, transforming waste into a functional and visually striking element.

The green roof provides natural insulation, while the building’s recessed design helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing energy consumption. These features underscore the project’s commitment to minimizing its environmental impact while creating a comfortable, welcoming space.

“This project illustrates our quest to merge the natural with the artificial,” says Carlo Ratti, founding partner of CRA and professor at MIT. “This clod of earth rising from the ground creates a constant dialogue with nature. Instead of a déjeuner sur l’herbe, we could call it a déjeuner sous l’herbe—dining under the grass.”

Francesco Mutti, CEO of Mutti, adds: “The Mutti Canteen is much more than a dining hall; it is the finest expression of our commitment to quality and sustainability. By integrating the natural beauty of our surroundings with cutting-edge design, we are offering an environment where our employees can connect with both the land and each other in a meaningful way.”

Architects: CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati
Lead Architects: Carlo Ratti, Andrea Cassi, and Francesco Strocchio
Design Team: Giulia Tolu, Nicolette Marzovilla, Rodolfo Siccardi, Anna Morani, Mario Daudo, Matteo Zerbi, Gary Di Silvio, Pasquale Milieri, and Gianluca Zimbardi
Landscape Architects: Arcadia Vivai Impianti srl.
General Contractor: Tecnoarredamenti srl.
Client: Mutti SpA
Photographers: Melania Delle Grave, Agnese Bedini, and DSL Studio