Designed by Mario Cucinella Architects, the new university complex on Via Ostiense, a historically significant road in ancient Rome, occupies a part of the city shaped by distinctive environmental and social factors, within a context of ongoing transformation and renewal.
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The design of the new Rectorate building at Roma Tre bears the signature of Mario Cucinella Architects. © Roma Tre University
Nearly three years since its inauguration, the new Rectorate building at Roma Tre continues to stand out along Via Ostiense as a striking and vibrant addition to the urban landscape. Set within an area rich with former industrial buildings and characterised by ongoing transformation and adaptation, the building remains a bold and colourful statement.
Designed by Mario Cucinella Architects (MCA) and opened nearly three years ago, the complex is composed of three elliptical towers, a public square, and an elevated garden, all interconnected by semi-transparent façades. These façades, formed by a series of linear vertical elements, create a dynamic interplay between open and closed spaces, which at times is only fully appreciated from an aerial perspective - whether by drone or a seagull soaring over the nearby River Tiber.
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Viewed from above, the building complex reveals its composition: three elliptical towers connected by an interwoven network of spaces, punctuated with greenery. Roma Tre University. © Moreno Maggi
The building's sweeping curves and generous use of glass impart a sense of lightness and transparency, while also fostering a harmonious dialogue with its surroundings. This connection is more than just visual; it addresses deeper, more meaningful concerns relating to sustainability and the mindful use of natural resources, reflecting the latest innovations in eco-conscious design.
The façades of the three towers play a dual role. On one hand, they define the architectural volumes, and on the other, they implement a passive strategy for achieving enhanced indoor comfort - principles grounded in bioclimatic architecture. Central to this approach is natural ventilation, which reduces the building’s energy consumption, optimises resource use, and minimises the reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. The building's orientation and window placement are meticulously planned to maximise natural light while promoting airflow.
The very shape of the Rectorate's towers has been carefully crafted by MCA to enhance the absorption and dissipation of solar heat. Roof-mounted shading devices and vertical greenery on the façades further contribute to this energy-efficient design, providing natural cooling solutions.
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The façades not only encourage natural ventilation but also a dialogue with the surrounding urban landscape, promoting a harmonious integration of the architecture in its context. © Moreno Maggi
This natural ventilation strategy is reinforced by energy-efficient materials, dynamic solar shading systems, and smart technologies that automate the control of light and temperature. Windows and shading systems adjust in response to external climatic conditions, ensuring optimal comfort for each space within the building.
Beyond its technical achievements, the Rectorate’s façades engage with their surroundings in more subtle, organic ways. The building's forms and textures echo the features of the surrounding urban landscape, creating a deeper connection that transforms the architecture into something new and unexpectedly integrated into the city’s evolving fabric.
originally written by Nora Santonastaso