A new 55,000-sm building in the EUR district in Rome combines abstract design with that of a geometrically defined shape to create the largest building completed in Rome in over 50 years. The New Rome-EUR Convention Centre and Hotel is defined by three elements: the Theca, the Cloud, and the Blade.
The Theca acts as the container. It is a geometrically defined shape created form steel and a double glass façade. Think of the Theca as the straight man to the Cloud’s (which is enclosed within the Theca) fool.
The Cloud is, according to the project’s architect, Studio Fuksas, the heart of the project. The Cloud is the abstract design aspect; a free spatial articulation created without rules. The Cloud contains an auditorium suitable for 1,800 people, several snack points, and support services for the auditorium. It represents the most distinctive architectural element of the project. A 15,000-sm transparent curtain, made from advanced-membrane fiberglass and flame-retardant silicone, covers a steel rib structure. When viewed in conjunction with the glass box of the Theca, the project resembles a giant fish, freely swimming in a glass aquarium.
Finally, the Blade is the hotel, an independent and autonomous structure containing 439 rooms. The Blade stands next to the main convention center and is clad in reflective dark glazing. According to Dezeen, in addition to the Blade’s 439 rooms, seven boutique suites, a spa, and a restaurant are also included.
Overall, the Centre has the capacity to seat nearly 8,000 people. In addition to the 1,800 seats found inside the Cloud’s auditorium, large conference rooms add an additional 6,000 seats. Beneath the complex is parking for up to 600 cars.
Energy consumption of the large building is curtailed via the use of variable flow air conditioning and photovoltaic elements on the exterior of the Theca that produce electricity and mitigate solar radiation, protecting the building from overheating.
The New Rome-EUR Convention Centre and Hotel opened in October 2016.
Photo courtesy of Leonardo Finotti.
Photo courtesy of Leonardo Finotti.
Photo courtesy of Leonardo Finotti.
Photo courtesy of Leonardo Finotti.
Photo courtesy of Leonardo Finotti.
Related Stories
| Feb 17, 2014
Developer plans to 'crowdfund' extended stay hotel in Manhattan
Want to own a piece of Manhattan hotel real estate? Developer Rodrigo Nino is inviting individual investors to put up $100,000 each for his latest project, 17 John.
| Feb 14, 2014
First look: Kentucky's Rupp Arena to get re-clad as part of $310M makeover
Rupp Arena will get a 40-foot high glass façade and a new concourse, but will retain many of its iconic design elements.
| Feb 13, 2014
Extreme Conversion: Nazi bunker transformed into green power plant, war memorial
The bunker, which sat empty for over 60 years after WWII, now uses sustainable technology and will provide power to about 4,000 homes.
| Feb 7, 2014
Zaha Hadid's 'white crystal' petroleum research center taking shape in the desert [slideshow]
Like a crystalline form still in the state of expansion, the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center will rise from the desert in dramatic fashion, with a network of bright-white, six-sided cells combining to form an angular, shell-like façade.
| Jan 31, 2014
6 considerations for rehabbing student union buildings
Most colleges and universities feel pressure to offer the latest amenities in order to attract and retain the best and brightest students. While hauling in the bulldozer to create modern facilities is attractive in some regards, deciding to renovate can be just as effective and, in some cases, even preferable to new construction.
| Jan 30, 2014
How reverse engineering nature can spur design innovation
It’s not enough to copy nature. Today’s designers need a deeper understanding of environmental nuance, from the biome in.
| Jan 29, 2014
Notre Dame to expand football stadium in largest project in school history
The $400 million Campus Crossroads Project will add more than 750,000 sf of academic, student life, and athletic space in three new buildings attached to the school's iconic football stadium.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
| Jan 28, 2014
Big Ten Conference opens swanky HQ and museum [slideshow]
The new mixed-use headquarters includes a museum, broadcast studios, conference facilities, office spaces, and, oh yeah, a Brazilian steakhouse.
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
