COSMO is an annual Festival of Architecture, Landscape, and Design held in Syracuse and the Pantalica district, involving the municipalities of Ferla, Sortino, and Cassaro. The name derives from the Greek root “kosmos” (κόσμος), which describes the harmony and order of the world as a system of interconnected elements, encompassing both physical and abstract aspects, including values and ideas. The Festival aims to create a microcosm, a territorial ecosystem that promotes sustainable and collective use of the landscape, while strengthening the sense of community. The Festival involves international creatives—architects, designers, and artists—who design site- specific, temporary, or semi-permanent installations. These works will reflect the uniqueness of the location, offering new perspectives and integrating harmoniously with the historical and natural environment of Pantalica and the public spaces of the participating towns. Each project will be conceived to engage with the surrounding context, fostering interaction between architecture and landscape, respecting the environment, and blending tradition and innovation. COSMO combines creativity, experimentation, and public dialogue, transforming the territory into an open-air laboratory. Architectural installations, performances, and events create a network of spaces that encourage interaction between visitors, locals, and the environment. The Festival not only celebrates architecture but also invites us to rethink our relationship with places, stimulating new perspectives and a deeper connection with the landscape.
The artistic direction of Cosmo Festival is by the Moncada Rangel studio.