MAXXI Multifunctional Building, Rome — Circular Economy Meets Cultural Architecture

Studio Symbiosis presents a bold cultural vision for Rome's iconic Flaminio district — a multifunctional building conceived adjacent to the world-renowned MAXXI Museum (Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI Secolo), built on the principles of circular economy, sustainability, and thoughtful urban design.
The project is composed of two interconnected elements — Building A, a compact layered multifunctional structure, and System B, a reimagined landscape corridor along Via Masaccio — together extending the cultural energy of the MAXXI into the wider neighbourhood.
What makes this project exceptional:
🏛️ Contextual & Computational Design — Building A seamlessly merges computational design methods with vernacular architectural elements, creating a strong visual and urban dialogue with the surrounding Flaminio district and the iconic MAXXI Museum.
🔄 Circular Economy at Its Core — Recycled materials from on-site demolition, X-Lam laminated wood, and a robust steel frame come together to minimize embodied carbon and ensure long-term structural flexibility and durability.
☀️ Energy Self-Sufficient — Geothermal heat pumps and integrated solar panels supply all heating, cooling, and electrical needs — making the building as responsible as it is refined.
🌿 Landscape as Urban Connector — System B transforms Via Masaccio into a vibrant green corridor, extending the curvilinear flows of the MAXXI Museum into interactive public spaces that foster social interaction and enhance urban biodiversity.
🍷 Rooftop Bar & Garden — A lush rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the MAXXI Museum, accessible via a scenic exterior staircase woven into the architecture itself.
🎨 Visitor-Friendly Circulation — Internal pathways are thoughtfully designed so external visitors can experience curated artwork without ever disrupting museum operations.
📍 Rome, Italy — Flaminio District
📐 Site Area: 5,080 sqm | Built-Up: 9,482 sqm
🏗️ Status: Competition Entry
🏠 Program: Art Storage | Workshops | Café | Roof Garden | Landscape Plaza
✏️ Architecture & Landscape by Studio Symbiosis with Daniel Widrig | Structural & Sustainability: Cundall | Landscape: Francis Landscapes
A new cultural landmark for Rome — where sustainability, art, and urban life beautifully converge.

Transcript

1. STUDIO SYMBIOSIS · ROME, ITALY MAXXI MULTI- FUNC- TIONAL A Cultural & Urban Landmark Adjacent to MAXXI Museum View Full Project → ROME COMPETITION Circular Economy · Sustainable Architecture · Urban Integration Flaminio District, Rome, Italy
2. PROJECT OVERVIEW A New Cultural Heart for Rome Flaminio District · Adjacent to MAXXI Museum The Rome Competition entry by Studio Symbiosis is an ambitious architectural proposal for a multifunctional development next to the iconic MAXXI Museum in Rome's Flaminio district. Rather than a conventional building, this project is conceived as an integrated architectural and urban strategy — connecting cultural programme, public space and sustainability into a single cohesive vision. The proposal comprises two interlinked components: Building A — a compact, layered multifunctional structure — and System B, a landscape reconfiguration along Via Masaccio that reinvigorates the public realm and bridges the museum with the new development. A Building A Multifunctional Structure B System B View Full Project → Building A — Street Facade, Via Masaccio 2 / 8 studio-symbiosis.com/project/rome-competition/
3. URBAN CONTEXT & SITE STRATEGY Flaminio District — Rome, Italy 3D Massing Model — Proposed Building in Context Site Plan — Flaminio District Aerial View — MAXXI Museum & Surroundings 3 / 8 studio-symbiosis.com/project/rome-competition/
4. DESIGN CONCEPT & PROGRAMME Architecture as Urban Connector — Layered, Integrated, Public CONCEPT Connectivity · Culture · Continuity Building A is conceived as a compact, layered volume that seamlessly blends computational design with vernacular Roman elements. Curvilinear pathways and green spaces create a cohesive urban experience — encouraging interaction between cultural, civic, and everyday life. PROGRAMME s Archive Spaces State-of-the-art art storage and conservation facilities s Technical Labs Advanced research laboratories for cultural sciences s Café & Lounge Public café at ground level — open to the city s Rooftop Garden Panoramic rooftop bar with views over MAXXI Museum s Public Landscape System B — green urban realm along Via Masaccio View Full Project → Landscape View — System B, Via Masaccio 4 / 8 studio-symbiosis.com/project/rome-competition/
5. SUSTAINABILITY & CIRCULAR ECONOMY Re-Use. Re-Cycle. Sustain. Sustainability is embedded at every level of the Rome Competition proposal — from structural choices to material sourcing. The project embodies circular economy principles, minimising waste and embodied carbon throughout. Re-Using Shingles Terracotta shingles from demolished buildings are reclaimed and reused as the primary facade cladding material. Hybrid Steel + CLT 25% reduction in embodied carbon. CLT from sustainably harvested sapling timber; steel from 90–100% recycled EAF content. LVL Timber Roof Roof structure of LVL timber rafters braced by secondary beams forming a lightweight triangular structural grid. Sustainable Bricks Unfired partition bricks made from 90% construction waste — eliminating kiln emissions from the masonry programme. Retaining Existing Concrete Existing concrete structures are retained and retextured, avoiding demolition waste and reducing new material demand. Re-Using the Fence The existing perimeter fence in the parking area is reused and planted with climbing greenery to create a living boundary. View Full Project → 5 / 8 studio-symbiosis.com/project/rome-competition/
6. TECHNICAL DRAWINGS Elevations & Sections — Building A HEIGHT +22.00 M BASEMENT -6.50 M GROUND LEVEL ±0.00 M KEY LEVEL +8.00 / +14.00 M STRUCTURE Steel + CLT Hybrid FACADE Recycled Terracotta Shingles View Full Project → 6 / 8 studio-symbiosis.com/project/rome-competition/
7. PROJECT GALLERY · STUDIO SYMBIOSIS · ROME COMPETITION Building A — Renders & Facade Detail Facade Detail — Recycled Terracotta Shingles System B — Landscape & Public Garden Building A, Rome Via Masaccio, Flaminio District View Full Project → 7 / 8 studio-symbiosis.com/project/rome-competition/
8. STUDIO SYMBIOSIS · ROME COMPETITION · 2024 WHERE CULTURE MEETS NATURE MAXXI Multifunctional Building Flaminio District, Rome, Italy studio-symbiosis.com/project/rome-competition/ PROJECT FACTS Rome Competition PROJECT MAXXI Multifunctional Building LOCATION Flaminio District, Rome, Italy CLIENT MAXXI Museum Competition COMPONENTS Building A + System B PROGRAMME Archives · Labs · Café · Rooftop STRUCTURE Steel Frame + CLT Hybrid FACADE Recycled Terracotta Shingles ROOF LVL Timber Rafter Structure ENERGY Geothermal + Solar Panels PRINCIPLE Circular Economy STATUS View Full Project → 8 / 8 studio-symbiosis.com/project/rome-competition/