Rome is world-famous for its ancient Roman architecture. You don’t need me to tell you about the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon. There are a million blogs and guide books out there already doing that so I’d like to shift your attention to recent architectural works.
All of these buildings were built in the 20th and 21st Century and offer a striking contrast to the ancient structures that have become synonymous with Rome.
The MAXXI
Architect: Zaha Hadid
Instead of classical columns and pediments and relief carvings of ancient gods, MAXXI features sweeping curves of moulded concrete and glass, accented by sharp layers of rectangular floors.
Located north of the historic centre and just a short tram ride from Piazza del Popolo, the MAXXI (Museum of Art from the 21st Century) really stops you in your tracks. The museum, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, opened in 2010 and houses important contemporary works by Italian and International artists, including William Kentridge, Anish Kapoor, and Alighiero Boetti.
Address: Via Guido Reni
Parco della Musica
Architect: Renzo Piano
Inaugurated in 2002, this music complex is now the most-visited music venue in Europe, and second in the world after the Lincoln Center in New York. Built by famed Italian architect, Renzo Piano, it is located at the foot of the Parioli district adjacent to the Olympic Village.
Currently, it is the largest space dedicated to music in Europe. The structure is also made up of three concert halls that are reminiscent of futuristic looking beetles but also affectionately called ‘the blobs’, ‘the computer mice’ and ‘the turtles’.
The halls overlook an open-air amphitheater known as the Piazza of “La Città della Musica” “The Music City Piazza”. The ultra-modern design merges beautifully with the tradition of the materials used to build it: travertine marble and Roman brickwork. If you are planning a trip to Rome, make sure you check out the program which is always rich of internationally acclaimed artists.
Address: Via Pietro de Coubertin
Jubilee Church
Architect: Richard Meier
I love it when something breaks through the mould of convention, and the Jubilee Church is definitely one of them. Designed by Richard Meier, the church has three curved walls resembling ship’s sails, as it symbolises “the ship in which the people of God sails.” Three circles of equal radius are layered, and together with the opposite wall as the body of the ship. And explaining more of his thought process, Meier continued to say, “These three walls discreetly refer to the Trinity.”
The building is composed of simple elements such as the cube and the sphere. It has large glass surfaces that guarantee a generous flow of natural light, located both at the top and at the main and back facades. By choosing a white building material and large windows for light, it enhances a vision of purity associated with religion and churches.
A small note about the architect, Richard Meier was the winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1984, the highest award achieved within the field of architecture.
Address: Piazza Largo Terzo Millennio
EUR New Convention Centre
Architect: Studio Fuksas
Fuksas’ project is the response to a competition held in 1998 by the Council of Rome to reinforce the international image of the Italian capital in the panorama of congress and international meetings. Opened in 2016 in the EUR district, this major complex has been named ‘the cloud’, a moniker that references an independent cocoon-like structure situated in the middle of the building.
The complex hosts auditoriums, exhibition spaces, and a hotel – it’s enormous. To give you some stats, the building has been constructed from 37,000 tons of steel, which is the equivalent weight of four and a half eiffel towers. meanwhile, 58,000 metres of glass has been used, enough to cover the surface of 10 football pitches!
Address: Viale Asia
The Italian Civilisation Palace
Architects: Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto Bruno Lapadula and Mario Romano
Also known as the “Palazzo della Civiltà del Lavoro” or more jokingly, “Colosseo Quadrato” which translates to the Square Colosseum. It is located in EUR, which is an interesting place to visit in Rome. EUR stands for Esposizione Universale Roma, and is an area that was built under Mussolini’s orders to home the 1942 World Fair to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Fascism. However, the exposition never took place due to the break out of World War II, and nowadays EUR is considered the financial district of Rome.
The area has a variety of modern architecture but Colosseo Quadatro is perhaps the most iconic. While I think it’s necessary to acknowledge this building’s reminder of Italy’s fascist past, at the same time it is important for these buildings to gain new associations – and today it belongs to the well-known fashion house, Fendi.
Address: Quadrato della Concordia
Where to stay in Rome
If you’re reading this article, the likelihood is that you’re into design. If you’re planning a trip to Rome, there are several hotels that focus on incorporating art and design into your trip. However, a night in these hotels don’t exactly come cheap.
Hotel Vilòn – Milan-based Architect and designer Giampiero Panepinto has created a series of undeniably stylish rooms that draw up a playful blend of architectural styles ranging from Rococo right up to mid-century modern.
G-Rough – Describing its ethos as ‘rough-luxe’, this boutique hotel showcases original, vintage pieces by leading Italian designers against a stripped-back historic building catering for only 10 rooms. While some elements embody a shabby-chic aesthetic, other aspects such as the bathrooms gleam with decadence.
J.K. Place Roma – This townhouse is seriously chic and elegant from top to bottom. Complete with modern art, romanesque statues, contemporary furniture and classic furnishings made from luxury fabrics and materials.
