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The design for the Palazzo degli Esami in Rome redefines a historic building as the new headquarters of the Ministry of University and Research, transforming it into a contemporary infrastructure of public knowledge.
The intervention interprets the building as an open and dynamic organism, in which the layering between historical architecture and modern insertions becomes a design value and an opportunity for innovation. The architecture is configured as an evolved institutional space, capable of combining representativeness, efficiency and environmental quality. Large central voids, courtyards and full-height spaces build a permeable system of relationships, in which light, air and movement define a contemporary, inclusive and wellness-oriented working environment.
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Stratification as an architectural value
The project takes the coexistence of the original structure and the 2002 intervention as its founding principle, avoiding any mimetic reconstruction. The dialectic between historic masonry and contemporary frame generates a layered architectural language, in which the new stands out and dialogues with the existing, making the building’s evolutionary process legible.
Centrality of emptiness and spatial quality
Distribution efficiency and functional flexibility
The system of voids – central hall and side courts – becomes the centerpiece of the project. These full-height spaces bring natural light and ventilation into the complex, transforming into environmental and social devices. The new glazed roof and patios redefine the interior experience as a continuous, bright and connected space.
The organization of space is oriented toward maximum efficiency, with modular and reconfigurable work environments. The main functions are distributed in the upper levels, while support activities are located in the basement. The annular system of side wings allows functional autonomy and adaptability over time.
Environmental sustainability and comfort
Public space and institutional identity
The design integrates passive and active strategies for climate control, such as natural ventilation, chimney effect, and movable solar shading. Courtyards and green roofs contribute to environmental well-being, while the goal is to achieve high sustainability standards (LEED and WELL), in line with a contemporary public building model.
The atrium and library on the mezzanine floor define an open threshold between institution and city, promoting accessibility and transparency. Common spaces, green areas and interior pathways promote interaction and build a sense of community, redefining the image of public administration as a welcoming and shared place.
