About Us
The studio was founded by Sami YAKHLEF and Fanny CIUFO, both from Mediterranean backgrounds, one hailing from Algeria and the other from Italy. Together, we embarked on a journey to combine our diverse cultural influences, design philosophies, and architectural expertise to create unique and innovative spaces that reflect our shared heritage while embracing the richness of multiculturalism. We have many years of collaboration with international architectural firms, including Ateliers Jean Nouvel and MVRDV, on programs for public facilities, cultural buildings, housing, and urban infrastructures.  ​ At SAFA we believe that respecting and incorporating local traditions and historical contexts is essential to build a sense of continuity and identity. Our projects integrate contemporary design with the rich tapestry of local cultural phenomena, resulting in relevant and timeless spaces. We firmly believe that architecture plays a profound role in shaping human behavior and creating spaces that resonate with the people who inhabit them. Finally, advanced technologies such as computational design lie at the core of our design philosophy. By harnessing the power of parametric modeling and generative algorithms, we can explore a vast array of design possibilities quickly and efficiently. This approach empowers us to optimize our designs for performance, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal.
Sami and Fanny met each other in 2016 during their internship in Shoreditch, London and opened S A F A in Paris where they are currently based.
S A I Sami Yakhlef
Architecte HMONP
Maître de conférence associé à l’ENSAG
​
EDUCATION
- HMONP ENSAN
- Diplôme d’Etat d’Architecte - DEA I ENSAG
- Diplôme Architecte d’État I Institut d’Architecture, Université de Batna - Algérie
TEACHING
- Maître de conférence associé à l’ENSAG
Enseignement de la :
- Conception architecturale - Conception paramétrique des géomètries complexes
- Bioclimatisme et performence des bâtiments
COMPANY
- Fondateur de Sami Yakhlef Architecte SYA et Co-fondateur SAFA
- Fondateur de Sami Yakhlef Digital Design SYD2 I
WORKING EXPERIENCES
- Architecte indépendant chez les Ateliers Jean Nouvel
- Architecte indépendant chez les Chartier Dalix Architectes
- Architecte collaborateur chez FLINT et ADV
- Architecte collaborateur chez AZPML, London, UK
01
Opéra de Shenzhen
©Ateliers Jean Nouvel
02
Shaaran Resort
©Ateliers Jean Nouvel
​​
03
Samsung
©Ateliers Jean Nouvel
​
04
Gare de la Courneuve
©Chartier-Dalix Architectes
05
Ilôt D5
©Chartier-Dalix Architectes
06
PalaCinema Locarno SA
©AZPML, DFN Dario Franchini
F A I Fanny Ciufo
Architecte habilitée et specialisé dans le patrimoine
Co-editor Urbanogram Journal
​
EDUCATION
- Habilitation
-MA Architecture dans le context historic et urban
Bartlett School of Architecture - London,UK
- Diplôme d’Etat d’Architecte
Université La Sapienza de Rome-Italie
- ERASMUS Oxford Brooks Univerisity - Oxford, UK
COMPANY
- Co-fondatrice Urbanogram Journal
- Fondatatrice de Fanny Ciufo Architecte FCA et Co-fondatrice SAFA
WORKING EXPERIENCES
- Architecte indépendant chez Dubuisson - Paris
- Architecte collaborateur chez PCA, Cro&co Architecture - Paris
- Architecte collaborateur chez MVRDV - Rotterdam , Netherlands
- Architecte collaborateur chez AZPML, London, UK
01
ATP
©Gehry Partners,
©Dubuisson Architecture (Architecte local)
02
CNIT
©Cro&Co Architecture
​
04
Garage Marbeuf
©PCA STREAM
04
Extension Bureau en Bois
©Cro&Co Architecture (Architecte)
05
Campus Universitaire
©MVRDV
06
Turm mit Taille - Tour
©MVRDV